HC Deb 18 December 1941 vol 376 cc2072-3
45. Mr. Granville

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the changed war situation, involving the British Empire in operations on a world-wide scale, he will now consider the formation of an Empire War Cabinet for the purpose of obtaining the closest co-operation between the British Commonwealth of Nations on propaganda, production and strategy?

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Attlee)

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has at present nothing to add to previous statements made on behalf of the Government on this subject, except to repeat that we have constantly under consideration the best methods of ensuring the closest co-operation with the other members of the British Commonwealth in the prosecution of the war in which we are all engaged.

Mr. Granville

In view of the fact that the war has now spread to the gateway to India and Australasia, is it not time that the Government took steps to mobilise the full resources of the British Empire, including India, under an Empire War Cabinet, or must we again wait for the inexorable march of events?

Sir T. Moore

How is it possible for departmental Ministers, already so overburdened by their activities, to take on this tremendous responsibility of directing the war effort?

Mr. Granville

If I cannot have an answer to my Supplementary Question, I wish to ask this: The right hon. Gentleman said that certain discussions are going on with the object of concerting Allied war plans, can he say whether the Dominion representatives are present at these discussions?

Mr. Attlee

I think the hon. Member did not hear quite what I said. I said that we have constantly under consideration the best methods. That does not mean that the Committee is sitting. We are in constant consultation on these matters with the Prime Ministers of the Commonwealth.

Major Lyons

In view of the very different situation now, will the right hon. Gentleman impress upon the Prime Minister that there is a strong feeling in the House and the country for the immediate formation of an Empire War Cabinet?

Mr. Granville

Owing to the urgency of this question and the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise this on the Adjournment as soon as possible.