§ The Prime MinisterI have a short statement to make on Business. I take this opportunity to inform the House that we desire to obtain the Committee stage of the Supplementary Estimates on supplementary pensions, the Government of India Order and other formal Business not later than 3 o'clock to-day. I hope this course will be agreeable to the House. I then propose that we should go into Secret Session in order that I can make a statement on the future sittings of the House.
§ Mr. ManderWill the Prime Minister be good enough to arrange, on occasions of important Debates, such as yesterday, for some Minister, not necessarily himself, to be present so that we can have a reply at the end of the Debate? A number of important speeches were made in the House yesterday, and no Minister attempted to reply.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Lord President of the Council was here all the time.
§ Mr. ManderBut he did not speak.
§ The Prime MinisterBetween listening and speaking there is a gulf, and the gulf does not diminish in width during the progress of the war.
§ Mr. ManderWould the Prime Minister be willing to consider asking a Minister not only to listen but to speak?
§ The Prime MinisterEverything that has to be said has to be very carefully considered—also not only what is said but what is left out. I have no doubt that if I had been able to be present here 1347 all the time yesterday, I might perhaps have uttered a few remarks at the end, but I doubt very much whether that would have added to the information.