§ 45. Mr. George Craddockasked the Prime Minister if he will formulate a classification of relative importance for signals or other communications conveying Government policy to foreign Powers; and if he will ensure that no signal above a certain level of importance shall be sent out from a Department without the assent of the Minister concerned.
§ The Prime Minister (Sir Winston Churchill)I am advised that no such classification is practicable.
§ Mr. CraddockIs the Prime Minister aware that his answer will cause dismay up and down the country? [HON. MEMBERS"Resign."] Does he not think that communications carrying high policy to foreign Powers should have the assent of the Minister or even assent at Cabinet level? Does he not think that further consideration should be given to this most serious matter?
§ The Prime MinisterI hope that there will not be too much dismay, because we have gone on for quite a long time without a written Constitution.