HC Deb 22 May 1947 vol 437 c2520
47. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of references on pages 32, 640 and 641 of the Report of the Royal Commission on the Spy Trials in Canada, issued on 27th June, 1946, to Communist activities in London and elsewhere in Britain, he will set up immediately a similar Royal Commission

The Prime Minister: I

do not think that the appointment of a Royal Commission is necessary for the purposes which I presume the hon. Member has in mind.

Sir W. Smithers

Does the Prime Minister realise that the root cause of the troubles in Britain today is the infiltration of the Communist Party, as evidenced by today's lightning strike at Smithfield Market?

Mr. Gallacher

I would like to ask the Prime Minister if he is aware that if the Communists did not exist the hon. Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers) would be struck by vocal paralysis?

The Prime Minister

I think not, so long as we have bulk purchases.

Sir W. Smithers

On a point of Order, Mr. Deputy-Speaker. May I ask whether it is consistent with the position of the Prime Minister for a flippant reply to be made to an hon. Member?

Mr. Deputy-Speaker

If the hon. Gentleman will forgive my saying so, he has rather invited such a reply.