HC Deb 14 March 1946 vol 420 cc1280-l
49. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Prime Minister if His Majesty's Government will consider introducing legislation to vest the decision to declare war in future in Parliament and not exclusively in the Government as at present.

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. His. Majesty The King, by virtue of His Royal Prerogative, makes war and peace acting on the advice of his Ministers, who are responsible to Parliament.

Mr. Davies

Does not the Prime Minister think it strange that this Parliament of over 600 representatives of the people should be asked, almost every day, to decide by vote on the most trivial problems and should not have the right to give a decision on the greatest of all issues—the declaration of war?

The Prime Minister

This is in accordance with constitutional practice.