§ 46. Mr. Lewisasked the Prime Minister what instructions he has given to Ministers to withdraw their names from Motions standing on the Order Paper making attacks and adverse comment upon our American allies.
§ The Prime MinisterNone, Sir.
§ Mr. LewisWhilst welcoming the fact that the Under-Secretary of State for Air and the Under-Secretary of State for War have now withdrawn their names, may I ask the Prime Minister whether he does not think that it would be better if he could persuade his hon. Friends to withdraw this Motion before he goes to see the President of the United States of America in March?
§ The Prime MinisterThe Question refers to Ministers' names. I understand that those, like the Snark, have slowly and silently vanished away. With regard to the rights of private Members, I should certainly be unwilling to interfere with their right to put down what Motions they wish to.
§ Mr. GaitskellYes, but in view of the obvious desire of the right hon. Gentleman for closer and more friendly Anglo-American relations, will not he make an appeal to his hon. and right hon. Friends to withdraw the Motion altogether?
§ The Prime MinisterI am very hopeful that the best possible Anglo-American relations will take place; but I am bound to add that on the whole I have more control over my private Members than the right hon. Gentleman has over his.
§ Mr. GaitskellIn view of the somewhat boastful attitude adopted by the Prime Minister and the obvious desirability of his doing something to show that he really does want better Anglo-American relations, why does he not induce his hon. and right hon. Friends to withdraw the Motion?
§ The Prime MinisterThe right hon. Gentleman is making rather too much of this. Let him search his own conscience over the last few years.
§ Mr. NicholsonIs my right hon. Friend aware that it was not the Snark who slowly and silently vanished away but the people who saw it? There was only one variety of Snark, and that was the Boojum. Is he a Boojum?