HC Deb 14 December 1950 vol 482 cc1344-6
45. Mr. C. S. Taylor

asked the Prime Minister whether the speech made by the Minister of Works on Sunday, 10th December, at Lowestoft, condoning Chinese intervention in Korea, represents the policy of His Majesty's Government.

The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend had no intention of condoning Chinese intervention. To do so would certainly not represent the policy of His Majesty's Government.

Mr. Taylor

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in "The Times" of Monday it says that, on Korea, Mr. Stokes said he did not see how it could have been expected that the Chinese would remain quiescent with foreign troops of whatever nature reaching up to the Manchurian-Soviet frontier. If that is not condonation, what is?

Mr. Morrison

I have had a conversation with my right hon. Friend and so has the Prime Minister, and certainly he had no intention whatever of condoning Chinese intervention. He put a point for consideration, but I think the House would be quite unwise to exaggerate this and to make it appear that my right hon. Friend was making an attack upon anybody.

Mr. S. Silverman

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Minister of Works made a very similar speech a week earlier in my constituency, and that it was there received with the greatest cordiality and enthusiasm?

Mr. David Renton

Is the Lord President aware that the speech to which reference has been made by my hon. Friend is not the only recent speech which has apparently been out of phase with Government policy? Is he aware that the principle of joint responsibility of members of the Government is vital to the working of our democratic constitution? Will he say whether that principle is being weakened or will the Prime Minister come here and tell us himself some time whether he intends to abide by it?

Mr. Morrison

There is no question whatever about the joint responsibility of the Government, and certainly my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister would uphold it. On the other hand, I am bound to point out that nothing pleases Members of Parliament more than when they can find Ministers who do not give exactly the same answers.

Earl Winterton

May we take it that the right hon. Gentleman's original answer was an apology to this House from the Minister of Works, through the mouth of the Lord President, for having made a statement which was in complete disaccord with the foreign policy of His Majesty's Government?

Mr. Morrison

No, Sir. That would be an exaggeration. I have answered the Question with the full authority of the Prime Minister and I do not particularly wish to add to it.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is the Lord President aware that this speech was the most sensible speech we have had on Korea from any Member on the Front Bench and that the opinion of the country is that they wish we could have more speeches like it?

Mr. Morrison

I have a sneaking regard for my hon. Friend, but if he is trying to elevate himself into a position in which he should brief Cabinet Ministers on what they should say, then I cannot quite accept that.