§ 45. Colonel Wedgwoodasked the PrimeMinister whether he will give an opportunity for the discussion of the Motion standing in the name of the right hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme and other Members against the evacuation of Parliament from London save only by vote of the House?
§ [That in the opinion of this House no evacuation of Parliament from London in case of air raids shall take place or be decided on without the definite assent of this House to that policy.]
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Chamberlain)In view of the Business statement made last week I fear I can hold out no hope of time being found for the discussion of the Motion standing in the name of the right hon. and gallant Gentleman.
§ Colonel WedgwoodMay I understand from that that the Prime Minister is not prepared to evacuate this House without a Vote of the House on the question? Is he aware of the grave demoralisation which such evacuation would cause, and also that in such a matter it is for this House not to take but to give orders?
§ The Prime MinisterThe question was whether I could give time for the discussion of this Motion, and I am obliged to say that I could not.
§ Colonel WedgwoodMay we understand that as long as this Motion is not discussed this House will not be evacuated?