HC Deb 11 September 1941 vol 374 cc295-8
47. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Prime Minister whether the remarks in the recent speech of the Minister of Aircraft Production regarding operations between the Russian and German armies on the Eastern Front represent the policy of His Majesty's Government?

The Prime Minister

The versions which have been given to the public of the remarks made at a private gathering at the end of July by the Minister of Aircraft Production bear a construction which represents neither the policy of His Majesty's Government nor the views of my right hon. and gallant Friend. I happen to know what the views of my right hon. and gallant Friend were, because on the day when Hitler attacked Russia I told him on the telephone the line I was going to take that night of wholehearted support for Russia, and he expressed enthusiastic assent. He emphasised these sentiments in a public speech at Chertsey on 9th August. Moreover, my right hon. and gallant Friend has all the while been ardently at work, as I know from daily observation, sending hundreds of fighter aircraft- to Russia, many of which have already got there. Therefore, although the phrasing of what he said at the private gathering taken from its context might well be misconstrued, I am satisfied that he was and is in the fullest accord with the policy which His Majesty's Government are earnestly pursuing.

Mr. Shinwell

Has my right hon. Friend seen and read the correspondence which passed between the Minister of Aircraft Production, Sir Ernest Salmon and Mr. Blackburn, organiser of the Amalgamated Engineering Union, and, if not, may I send him copies of the correspondence? After having perused the correspondence, will he agree that the Minister of Aircraft Production, for his own sake and for the advantage of the Government, should make a personal statement at that Box?

The Prime Minister

I have, of course, read the correspondence, and I was astonished that anybody should have taken the mischievous action of making all this sensation, which does nothing but harm to Russia as well as to Britain and leads to suspicions between those whose fortunes are linked together. As to a statement by my right hon. and gallant Friend, he is, of course, welcome to make a personal statement if he desires, but I have assumed the duty of dealing with this matter.

Mr. Shinwell

If my right hon. Friend intends to rebuke those who have raised this matter—as apparently he does—without any hostile intent but merely for the purpose of seeking a reasonable explanation of the statement, will he take exception to a public statement being made quoting the actual statements made by the right hon. and gallant Gentleman the Minister for Aircraft Production and his admission that the statements were made?

The Prime Minister

I think it would be unhelpful to the general interest. That is my view. I have very carefully considered what I should say, because I could easily use arguments which would be quite effective from the point of view of merits for and against but which would tend to give an altogether disproportionate importance and significance to this matter. Therefore, I have forborne from quoting. I would also say that it is very inconvenient, and I think contrary to our way of carrying on our business, to found accusations in public upon reports of what passed at a private gathering at which no written record was taken—

Mr. Shinwell

What about the admission?

The Prime Minister

My right hon. and gallant Friend certainly said that he was sorry his words had borne that construction. So he is, but that was not what he meant, and I am satisfied that at the root of the matter he is with us heart and soul.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Prime Minister aware of the deep and bitter feeling that exists among many trade unionists in factories—in almost every factory in the country—as the result of this, and will he not be prepared to assure the workers that he will take every step to clear out of his Government anyone who is not 100 per cent. in co-operation with the Soviet Union?

The Prime Minister

I do not think I should be prepared to seek guidance in matters of policy or conduct from an hon. Gentleman whose attitude has been notorious for his changed opinions whenever he has been ordered to do so by a body outside this House.

Mr. Gallacher

On a point of Order. I want to put it to you, Mr. Speaker, that as the representative for West Fife I have never taken orders from anyone outside this country at any time. I ask protection from you, Sir, and demand the withdrawal of that insulting remark made by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister has no right to make such a false statement. It is a dirty, cowardly, rotten action on the part of the Prime Minister, the action of a blackguard. It is a dirty lie, a foul, dirty lie.

Later

Mr. Gallacher

Mr. Speaker, aftér very deep reflection about what occurred in the House earlier, I want to apologise to you and to the House for the offensive words I used after I had put to you my point of Order, and to make a complete withdrawal of the offensive remarks directed towards the Prime Minister.

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