§ 48. Sir Leonard Lyleasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider setting up a committee to investigate the desirability, or otherwise, of Members of Parliament who are serving in the fighting forces and in so doing acquire special knowledge, relinquishing their posts and coming back to the House of Commons to raise issues which only their preferential position enables them to do?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think it is necessary to add to the various regulations and conventions which have been accepted as governing the conduct of Members of Parliament serving with His Majesty's Forces or on returning to their Parliamentary duties.
§ Sir L. LyleWould the Prime Minister care to give us the great weight of his opinion as to whether such a course is in the national interest?
§ The Prime MinisterI think the present arrangements are, on the whole, fully compatible with the national interest.
Major CazaletIs the Prime Minister aware that there are over 100 Members serving at present with the Forces, that 1829 they do make a real contribution to the House of Commons and to the Services, and that it would be highly undesirable to alter the present practice?