HC Deb 28 February 1938 vol 332 cc746-7
Mr. Attlee

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he will state his reasons for breaking the established Parliamentary practice of having the Foreign Secretary in the House of Commons?

The Prime Minister

Although I do not accept that there is any such established practice, I agree that, other things being equal, there are advantages in an arrangement under which the Foreign Secretary is a Member of this House. In the present circumstances, the disadvantages of a different arrangement are, in my view, outweighed by the outstanding qualifications of my Noble Friend for the office.

Mr. Attlee

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the widespread feeling in the country and in this House on this matter, there can be an opportunity for a discussion?

The Prime Minister

There may be an opportunity to-night perhaps, if the business of the Civil Vote is disposed of at a reasonable hour. If that is so, I should be very happy to move the Adjournment of the House so that there might be a discussion.

Mr. Attlee

If the business on the Trinidad Vote should conclude, say, somewhere between 9 and 10, or after 9 o'clock, I should like to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.

Mr. A. Bevan

Is there any possibility of the discussion on Trinidad being concluded early, and, if not, will there be any other early opportunity?

The Prime Minister

I do not think, in view of the congestion of our programme, there would be another early opportunity. Of course, it rests with the House itself whether it wishes the business in question to close at such an hour as to enable the dicussion asked for to take place.

Mr. Speaker

Notice has been given that the question of the appointment of the Foreign Secretary will be raised on the Motion for the Adjournment. I have had a very short time in which to consider it, and I am not certain in my mind whether I should rule that such a question on the Adjournment would be in order or not. In the circumstances I shall be prepared, unless I consider differently between now and then, to accept it as in order on that Motion, but, considering the many implications that are involved in this question, I must not allow this to be established as a precedent. I must reserve to myself the right to alter my decision after reflection, and to reverse the Ruling if necessary.

Mr. Attlee

I quite realise that this has come at rather short notice to you, Sir. I would only say that should it not be possible to raise the question on this occasion, we shall seek another opportunity.