§ 48. Mr. Harold Daviesasked the Prime Minister if he will approach the Governments of Ireland with a view to making a joint survey of the potentialities of Irish agriculture; and whether he will consider a Treasury grant to further an Irish agricultural survey.
§ The Prime MinisterThe question of a joint survey is a matter for the Governments of Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.
§ Mr. SpeakerMr. Lee.
§ Mr. DaviesOn a point of order. I did not hear the right hon. Gentleman's answer; it was inaudible at this end of the Chamber.
§ Mr. SpeakerIf that is so, perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will repeat the answer to No. 48.
§ The Prime MinisterDo you wish me to repeat the answer to Question No. 48 Sir?
§ Mr. SpeakerYes. It was not heard.
§ The Prime MinisterThe question of a joint survey is a matter for the Governments of Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonOn a point of order. When my hon. Friend the Member for Leek (Mr. Harold Davies) says he did not hear the answer, is it in order for the Prime Minister deliberately to repeat the answer in a tone of voice which could not possibly be heard?
§ Mr. SpeakerI must confess that I know of no precedent for this situation.
§ Mr. DaviesDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider that this great country of Ireland is worthy only of an inaudible answer from the Box, when he talks so much about the friendship between the Commonwealth and the British people?
§ The Prime MinisterI must ask for notice of that one.
§ Mr. RankinOn a point of order. My understanding is, Mr. Speaker, that you requested the right hon. Gentleman to repeat his answer to Question No. 48 on 241 the ground that his previous reply was inaudible. I submit that he deliberately defied an order from the Chair. In view of the debate which occurred in this House yesterday, are hon. Members on the Front Bench to be treated at a different level from those who occupy the back benches?
§ Mr. SpeakerCertainly not. There is no differentiation whatever between Members on all benches, but the situation was rather peculiar. First of all, the right hon. Gentleman answered the Question, and I could hear him quite well. Then there was a request for it to be repeated, and I asked the Prime Minister whether he would repeat it. He repeated it in a tone which I think was lower than the one in which he gave his original answer. I cannot say that the matter is covered by the rules of order, but I hope that hon. Members have now heard the answer.
§ Mr. GrimondBefore the Prime Minister answers these Questions about Ireland, audibly or inaudibly, will he bear in mind that there is another part of the country for which he has much more direct responsibility—the Highlands of Scotland, which are also capable of making a great contribution to our food supplies if they get much needed Treasury assistance?