§ 49. Mr. Beswickasked the Prime Minister if he will give an assurance that, before an agreement is made by Her Majesty's Government with any other nation which involves the stationing in the United Kingdom by such other nation of medium or long-range rockets or ballistic missiles, he will first inform the House of Commons.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir; it is impossible in logic or in practice to inform the House of Commons of an agreement before it is made. The normal procedure will be followed.
§ Mr. BeswickIgnoring the cleverness, in which I am sure the Prime Minister does not want to engage unduly, may I ask him two questions? First, is not he aware that if we are once committed to the stationing in these islands of these missiles, owned and operated by a foreign Power, we shall be in any war in which that foreign Power may itself 1077 engage? Secondly, will he recall that when, nine years ago, we agreed to the stationing here of United States bombers, there was then no other operational alternative in under-developed or less populated countries? Does not he think, therefore, that now is the time—before committing ourselves to this final step—to consider clearing the heart of the Commonwealth of these inevitably provocative units?
§ The Prime MinisterThe Question asked was purely hypothetical. I know of no such agreement as is envisaged in it. But my answer is that the procedure followed by Lord Attlee when he was Prime Minister will be followed again if any such agreement is made. That is to say, the prerogative will be preserved and, if it be a matter of a treaty, the Ponsonby Rule will be followed. The precise procedures followed by every Government of whatever complexion will be followed again.