§ 47. Mr. Craven-Ellisasked the Prime Minister what special steps are being taken to allay the growing feeling amongst the general public that the country is not being organised for total war as quickly as was anticipated following the change of Government?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not know what is meant by the expression "total war," nor what exactly it conveys to the mind of my hon. Friend. I am not in a position to measure what the public anticipated when the present Government was formed. I have no doubt it was something very unpleasant, and if so, they have not been far wrong. With regard to my hon. Friend's estimate of a "growing feeling in the country," I am obliged to him for bringing his opinion to my attention. But, of course, others may take a different view, and in the end it is only the House as a whole which can pronounce upon the feelings, growing or otherwise, of the general public.
§ Mr. Craven-EllisOwing to the unsatisfactory reply, and the fact that the right hon. Gentleman does not know what "total war" means, I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.