§ 7. Mr. Hugh Lawsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will give an assurance that no final decision as to the armistice terms to be imposed on the Nazi armies or as to the future political or territorial arrangements in Europe will be made without the prior approval of Parliament.
§ Mr. EdenI can assure the hon. Member that His Majesty's Government will follow the normal constitutional practice in these matters.
§ Mr. LawsonWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that assurance, may I ask whether it is his intention that this Debate should take place before the Recess?
§ Mr. EdenI am afraid the hon. Gentleman is not aware of the normal constitutional practice in these matters. Armistice terms are the responsibility of His Majesty's Ministers.
§ Mr. SilvermanAs it was made clear in yesterday's Debate that the armistice terms will last probably for a considerable time, while more permanent peace terms are being considered, is it not proper that, on this occasion, the House should be informed beforehand and invited to approve whatever conditions are agreed upon?
§ Mr. EdenNo, Sir, certainly not. That is entirely the responsibility of the Government and the armistice terms, which concern military matters, could not be published in advance to the enemy.
§ Sir Percy HarrisWas it not made clear yesterday that the House supported unconditional surrender?
§ Mr. SpeakerWe cannot debate this matter now.