HC Deb 11 November 1941 vol 374 cc2037-8
54. Sir G. Broadbridge

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that we are fighting for our existence, he will consider removing from Government service all persons of German education and of German origin?

The Prime Minister

If the hon. Gentleman will specify any person—

Mr. Speaker

Order. As this is the hon. Member's fourth Question, I have not called it.

The Prime Minister

I regret that I have not the opportunity of answering this Question.

Mr. Speaker

If the right hon. Gentleman thinks it necessary to answer this Question, I will give him leave to do so.

The Prime Minister

I am very grateful, Mr. Speaker. I hope you do not think that I am interfering with the exercise of your duties. All I wish to say is that if the hon. Gentleman will specify any person or persons he has in mind, I will give his Question such answer as it may deserve.

Mr. G. Strauss

Would not the Prime Minister agree that men educated in Germany might be particularly well equipped to help us?

Commander Locker-Lampson

Might we not fight to the last foreigner?

Mr. Bellenger

Do I understand, Mr. Speaker, that a precedent has been created by your allowing a fourth Question to be answered? If that is granted now, I hope it will be granted in other cases.

Mr. Speaker

There is no question of precedent. It always was the case that if a Minister thought it necessary to give an answer to a Question, leave was always given.