§ 45. Mr. Manderasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of arranging, with a view to economising time during the present crisis, that when Ministers decide to give an address to any body of Members in this House, such meetings should be made available to all Members rather than to purely sectional or party gatherings?
§ Mr. AttleeI think it would be the general view that important statements on the war should continue to be made by Ministers in Parliament. I do not think that the suggestion made by my hon. Friend would necessarily secure the object he has in mind. As has been stated before, Ministers are always ready to address private committees of Members of this House, irrespective of party, on the work of their Departments.
§ Mr. ManderWould it not save the time of Ministers, and be more in keeping with the present spirit of unity, if such meetings were open to Members of all parties, rather than that several sectional meetings should be held?
§ Mr. AttleeThe hon. Member is again asking the same question.