HC Deb 13 December 1950 vol 482 cc1147-8
46. Mr. Blackburn

asked the Prime Minister what special instructions he has recently given to Ministers of the Crown, in the light of the delicate international situation, to arrange that any speeches made by them on foreign policy are in line with the foreign policy of His Majesty's Government.

The Prime Minister

I think I can ask the House to leave to my discretion the means by which I am to preserve collective responsibility among my Cabinet colleagues.

Mr. Blackburn

While in no way desiring to make any personal remarks in this connection, may I ask the Prime Minister whether he will not at least indicate that at this moment it is his desire that any speeches which are made on foreign policy by Ministers of the Crown are in accordance with the high standard which he himself and the Foreign Secretary have set?

The Prime Minister

It is desirable that anybody who speaks on international affairs today should speak with a due sense of responsibility.