HC Deb 25 November 1953 vol 521 c357

The following Question stood upon the Order Paper:

52. Mr. Wyatt

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the agreement with the French Government whereby Britain will move into closer association with the European Defence Community than previously announced by Her Majesty's Government.

At the end of Questions—

Mr. Wyatt

On a point of order. May we have a reply to Question No. 52, please? I ask this question because I think it raises an important constitutional point. M. Bidault, the French Foreign Minister, made a long statement in the French Parliament last week describing

Mr. Speaker

In answer to the hon. Member's point of order, so far as it is a point of order, as far as I am aware, I have received no request that Question No. 52 should be answered, and the time for Questions is now over. I am sorry to have to rule that, but, to some extent, these things are not in my control.

Mr. Wyatt

Further to that point of order. What is our position when announcements are made about the British Government's policy in the French Parliament which are not made in this House and to which we have no reply?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member must use what Parliamentary opportunities he can get.

Sir H. Williams

Further to that point of order. May I have an answer to my Question No. 82?