HC Deb 15 December 1952 vol 509 cc965-7
45. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Prime Minister whether the question of who shall have the supreme command of naval Forces in the Atlantic is definitely settled; and whether a British admiral is to be appointed to the command of Allied naval Forces in the Mediterranean.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Winston Churchill)

I hope to make a statement on the naval commands before the House rises. This depends upon a decision being reached by the North Atlantic Council, which is now in session.

Mr. Shinwell

Is it possible for the right hon. Gentleman to acquaint the House with his views as to whether a British admiral should be appointed in charge of the naval Forces in the Atlantic, or rather, I should say, in the Mediterranean? [Laughter.] Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that slight slip was due to the confusion that he had created in everybody's mind in this matter?

The Prime Minister

I think I should be embarking on controversial argument if I were to try to give an answer before I have heard what are the conclusions arrived at by the North Atlantic Council.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that reputable organs of the Press which are, apparently, acquainted with what is happening in N.A.T.O. have prophesied that a British admiral is likely to be appointed in joint command with Admiral Carney and under the control of General Ridgway, the Supreme Commander? Is that in accordance with the view of Her Majesty's Government? Will the right hon. Gentleman, at the same time, say whether he would prefer a British admiral in the Atlantic and an American admiral in the Mediterranean, which was his original view?

The Prime Minister

I think it would be much better to leave these questions until we know what the facts are.

Mr. Speaker

Sir John Crowder.

Mr. Wyatt

On a point of order. When we have Questions of this kind asked it has been the practice recently for only supplementary questions to be asked either by ex-Ministers on the Front Opposition Bench or by Privy Councillors. Are back benchers never to be allowed to put supplementary questions, Sir?

Mr. Speaker

When Privy Councillors rise, they are accorded priority, as is the custom in this House. I was actuated by the answer that a statement was to be made later, and in justice to other hon. Members who have Questions on the Order Paper, if there is a statement coming we ought to wait for it.

Mr. Wyatt

Surely the priority accorded to Privy Councillors does not mean that ordinary backbenchers should be excluded. Surely it cannot be right that because the Prime Minister says that he is to make a statement we should not be allowed to question him.

Mr. Speaker

Every Question receives what I consider to be the proper number of supplementary questions to it. If, in fact, large numbers of supplementary questions are asked by the Front Bench, unless I am to cut out hon. Members on Questions just as important in their eyes, it places a limit on supplementary questions that can be asked by back benchers.

Mr. Rankin

Further to that point of order. It seems to those of us on the back benches that the Prime Minister is unduly protected from back bench Members.

Mr. Speaker

I cannot allow that sort of thing to be said. If a Minister says that an answer is coming later when a certain decision has been made by another body, it is quite usual to pass on to the possibly more fruitful Questions of other hon. Members.