HC Deb 04 May 1944 vol 399 cc1467-8
46. Mr. Edgar Granville

asked the Prime Minister if he can now give the date upon which the visiting Dominion Prime Ministers will address a gathering of the Members of both Houses of Parliament.

Mr. Attlee

An announcement on this subject will be made in Secret Session.

Mr. Granville

Has an invitation been made to the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand to address a gathering of Members of both Houses of Parliament which can be broadcast? Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the people of Australia and New Zealand have an interest in this announcement?

Mr. Attlee

I am in consultation with the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand on the matter.

Viscountess Astor

Is this not a very rude Question to put at this moment, and will it not cause great trouble if it is read in Australia?

Captain Plugge

Have arrangements been completed for these speeches to be broadcast by the American broadcasting station in Britain so that they may be heard in Europe and in America?

Mr. Granville

Would it not have been far more diplomatic to have done this thing privately in the first place and to have announced that the Prime Ministers would address gatherings of both Houses?