§ 46. Mr. Shinwellasked the Prime Minister what reductions in defence expenditure as compared with the original estimates are contemplated by the Government; and whether other Governments in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation will be consulted.
§ The Prime MinisterI would ask the right hon. Gentleman to await the debate which will take place next week.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that that answer is by no means original: it has been given on at least three occasions? Is it not desirable that we should be placed in possession of facts regarding the proposals of the Government before the debate so that we would know what we are to talk about, and also know what the Government are intending to talk about? We ought to have some facts into which we can get our teeth.
§ The Prime MinisterHow can I, in the three-quarters of a minute which may perhaps remain to me, condense a statement of Government policy on this highly complicated matter?
§ Mr. ShinwellWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the latter part of my Question? Is it intended to consult other Governments with whom we are associated in N.A.T.O.?
§ The Prime MinisterThat point is fully covered by the answer which I gave originally.
§ Mr. GaitskellIn view of the confusion in the Press arising out of the Prime Minister's last replies on this subject, would he at least inform the House whether he referred to grave and far-reaching "matters" or to grave and far-reaching "measures" when he was last questioned? Some newspapers took one view and some another, and I think that it would be extremely valuable to all of us to have that point cleared up.
§ The Prime MinisterI recognise the epithet, but I cannot, without further reference, be sure as to the noun.