§ 13. Mr. Holmesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it was with his authority that the British Ambassador gave the presidential address at the wine feast at Vougeot in France.
§ Mr. H. MacmillanNo, Sir. There is certainly no need for Her Majesty's representatives abroad to seek my authority before attending or speaking at functions such as the one the hon. Member mentions.
§ Mr. HolmesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this ceremony lasted six hours? Is he aware that its purpose was to extend the sale of wine, and that it was held on the eve of the day of the patron saint of vineyards all over the world, St. Martin? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that from the wide publicity that was given to the matter it would appear that the Ambassador was a stooge for the sale of wine, at a time when the Chancellor of the Exchequer wanted to reduce imports and when France had been shocked by the heavy increase in the number of alcoholics?
§ Mr. DraysonCan the Foreign Secretary say whether this presidential address was delivered before or after the six-hour feast?
§ Mr. MacmillanThe hon. Member for Hemsworth (Mr. Holmes) has imparted to us a great deal of information and he has really not asked me to make any reply. His supplementary question was by way of giving information and not asking for it, but if it will give the hon. Member any comfort I can say that I have obtained a copy of the very admirable speech delivered by the Ambassador, in excellent French, and I observe that in the course of it he called attention to the advantages of drinking milk.