§ The Prime MinisterI do not propose to make any statement to-day about the momentous battle now being fought in Egypt; but I feel that the House would wish to know that on 25th June General Auchinleck decided to assume command of the Eighth Army personally, in succession to General Ritchie. As soon as General Auchinleck informed His 38 Majesty's Government of the decision he had taken, he was at once told that it had our approval.