HC Deb 21 May 1947 vol 437 cc2322-3
45. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Minister of Defence what postwar defence plans have yet been worked out for the Empire and Commonwealth; and whether all such plans have been agreed by the Dominions' Governments.

The Minister of Defence (Mr. A. V. Alexander)

Contact with the Dominions. on questions of defence is a continuous and confidential process. I can, however, assure the hon. and gallant Member that the Dominions are consulted as a matter of course on all defence matters of common interest.

Sir T. Moore

In view of the fact that the war, in which the Dominions played such a valiant part, has been over for two years, and in view of the fact that the strength of our postwar Army has already been announced in this House, surely some definite plans have now been drawn up which will satisfy both this country and the Dominions in the matter of security.

Mr. Alexander

That is certainly not the kind of thing which can be dealt with by question and answer.

Sir T. Moore

On a point of Order. The right hon. Gentleman escaped giving an answer to what I asked, which was to state whether a definite plan was in existence.

Mr. Speaker

The right hon. Gentleman said that that was a matter which could not be answered at Question time, and I think that that is the answer to that.

Sir T. Moore

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.

Forward to