§ 56. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Prime Minister under whose authority the warning was issued from 10, Downing Street, on 12th August, 1943, to civil servants that they were liable to penalties if they retained membership of trade unions affiliated to the Trades Union Congress?
§ The Prime MinisterUnder the authority of the War Cabinet.
§ Mr. DaviesWould it not have been better, and would it not be better in the future, when statements like that are issued for it to be stated that they are issued under the authority of the Cabinet? Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that Downing Street, London, is not the only Downing Street in the country?
§ The Prime MinisterI should have thought that it was tolerably well identified as the place from which from time 207 to time the Prime Minister of the day issues announcements on the authority of the Cabinet.
§ Mr. DaviesBut will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that he was in America when that statement was made?
§ The Prime MinisterI know, but it followed very closely upon decisions which were taken when I was in this country, and I was apprised of the form of the notice by telegraph before it was issued.