§ 47. Mr. Stokesasked the Prime Minister whether he will cause to be brought to the yard of this House a German Mk. VI Tiger tank and a British A22, so that Members may see for themselves the relative merits of these two weapons.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Mr. StokesIs the Prime Minister prepared to say why?
§ The Prime MinisterI think the trouble and expense involved, though not very great, is still more than is justified to satisfy the spiteful curiosity of my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. StokesIs the Prime Minister not aware that great interest has been aroused in this matter in this House; and, if he cannot see his way to go to the comparatively trivial expense of bringing the machines here, will he arrange for a party of hon. 'Members to visit both machines together, on some suitable site in the country?
§ Mr. McGovernWill the Prime Minister be prepared to take charge of a Churchill tank and allow the hon. Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) to take charge of a Tiger tank?
§ The Prime MinisterI think it might be one way of settling the difference.
§ Mr. StokesMay I have a reply to my question?
§ Sir A. BeitIs there not the additional risk, if the request were granted, that the hon. Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) might then attempt to act as technical instructor?
§ Mr. StokesIn view of the interest aroused among large numbers of hon. Members, if the Prime Minister cannot see his way to bring the machines here, will he arrange for a suitable demonstration at a suitable spot in the country to which Members can go?
§ The Prime MinisterThat really is not the Question on the Paper.
§ Mr. StokesOn a point of Order. In view of the most unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.