§ 45. Major Guy Lloydasked the Prime Minister whether, before announcing the Government's decision on Palestinian policy, he will agree to the immediate dispatch of a Parliamentary Commission to investigate the situation on the spot; to make contacts with the principal protagonists; and to report to this House.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)Perhaps the hon. and gallant Member would 1865 await the statement which will be made in the near future.
§ Miss RathboneWould it not be more to the point if the right hon. Gentleman took his courage in both hands, and acted on the principles previously enunciated by his party leaders and by the Leader of the present Opposition?
§ Earl WintertonCould the right hon. Gentleman define a little more closely what is meant by, "in the near future"? Does it mean next week, the week after or this time next year?
§ The Prime MinisterIt will be very soon, but I cannot give an exact date. The Noble Lord will realise that I want to give it at the right moment, and that I am not yet clear as to the exact day.
§ Mr. StokesIs my right hon. Friend aware that the utterances of the Leader of the Opposition on this matter have been completely contradictory?
§ Mr. JannerPending the making of this statement will the right hon. Gentleman see that any broadcast given on the question of Palestine will be carefully vetted so that there shall be no mis-statements similar to those made on Friday evening, which were quite contrary in some respects to the declarations made by various important Ministers in this House?
§ The Prime MinisterI have no information about that broadcast; I am not aware that the Government made any broadcast.