47. Commander Bowerasked the Prime Minister whether the contents of the recently published pamphlet, entitled "Square Meals and Square Deals," by the Minister of Labour, represent the policy of His Majesty's Government?
§ The Prime MinisterThis is a Labour Party publication of a highly polemical character, with which His Majesty's Government are in no way concerned. It is open to any person or organisation to publish an extract from Hansard with what comments they please.
Commander BowerShould it not first of all be an accurate extract from Hansard and not an inaccurate paraphrase? Is it not, further, something of an innovation for a Minister of the Crown, in the course of piloting a non-controversial Measure in this House, to make a violent attack outside the House on Members who fulfil their proper constitutional functions of opposing a Measure which they think is contrary to the public interest?
§ The Prime MinisterAs to the accuracy of any quotation made from our Debates, that is a matter to which attention can always be drawn in the course of political controversy. As to the insinuation which the hon. and gallant Member has made against the Minister of Labour that he was connected with this publication, I can give the hon. and gallant Member the most complete denial.
§ Mr. BuchananWould not the best way 1:0 settle this Question be that which the right hon. Gentleman adopted the other day, namely, to circulate this pamphlet in the OFFICIAL REPORT?
Commander BowerHas the Prime Minister seen the pamphlet, a copy of which I have here, and is he aware that it bears these words.
Square Meals and Square Deals, by the right hon. Ernest Bevin, M.P."?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is a most misleading and, in my opinion, most improper description, because it suggests that the Minister of Labour has written the offensive comments at the beginning and the end, whereas, of course, it refers literally to the quotations from the Minister's speech in Parliament.
§ Sir Douglas HackingMay I ask the Prime Minister very seriously whether, 1470 in view of the great bitterness already engendered in connection with this particular Measure, he will consider whether it is in the national interest that it should proceed?
§ The Prime MinisterWe shall certainly not be deterred from Measures which are necessary because they arouse heat or bitterness.
§ Mr. MaxtonAre we of the Opposition to understand that there has been a little friction in the ranks of the Government?
§ The Prime MinisterFriction is healthy, and is widely and almost universally dispersed.