§ 46. Mr. Frederick Mulleyasked the Prime Minister if he will publish the text of his recent address to the United States Congress as a Parliamentary Paper.
§ The Prime MinisterThe speech was broadcast and fully reported, but if there is any desire in the House to have a 360 Parliamentary Paper issued I should naturally be the last to stand in the way. Perhaps the matter could be discussed through the usual channels.
§ Mr. MulleyDoes not the Prime Minister consider that it might be of convenience to hon. Members to have the speech in a convenient form before the debate next week? Further, does he not consider it desirable to place on record here his praise of this country's recovery since the war, so that it may be set beside some of his less responsible statements on the same subject?
§ The Prime MinisterI have no doubt that the hon. Member and his colleagues on that side of the House would derive much refreshment and encouragement from what I said about them. I was endeavouring to make out as good a case as I could.
§ Mr. Herbert MorrisonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it would meet the general feeling in the House, in view of the importance of his speech to Congress, if it could be printed in time for the debate next week? That would be generally welcome as it is bound to be referred to in the course of the debate and it would be a good thing to have it. There is also something to be said for publishing as an appendix the statement made yesterday, so that we can compare the two.
§ The Prime MinisterIf it is physically possible. We will leave the usual channels out of the matter and deal with the subject at the highest level.