HC Deb 31 January 1952 vol 495 c359
45. Mr. John Rankin

asked the Prime Minister his reasons for agreeing to the appointment of a Supreme Commander, Atlantic.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Winston Churchill)

No, Sir. I was under the impression that I dealt with this matter yesterday. I would refer the hon. Member to the account which is given in the current issue of HANSARD.

Mr. Rankin

I agree that the right hon. Gentleman did deal with it, but many bare patches were left. Does he recollect that in the debate on 12th April in the House he claimed in his speech that the "overwhelming weight of British naval opinion" supported him in his opposition to this appointment? Does he still claim that in his acceptance of this appointment that opinion is with him?

The Prime Minister

I think that this argument might appropriately find a place in the discussions we are to have next week.

Captain Robert Ryder

Is not it a fact that the Commander-in-Chief, Eastern Atlantic, will find himself in the unusual position of having no shore base under his own command? Is not that an unusual arrangement in the history of naval commands?

Hon. Members

Answer.

The Prime Minister

There is no obligation on a Minister to answer—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"] It is entirely for the House to judge whether they are content with his conduct or not. I suggest that this matter might better be discussed in the debate next week.