HC Deb 12 February 1958 vol 582 c372
12 Mr. de Freitas

asked the Minister of Defence what change there has been in the Government's policy announced last year as to the relative contribution of missiles and manned fighters in the air defence of the United Kingdom.

Mr. Sandys

I would ask the hon. Member to await the issue of the White Paper on Defence tomorrow.

Mr. de Freitas

Is the Minister aware that, although that may be a perfectly fair answer today, because the White Paper is to be issued tomorrow, it has been the fact that week after week recently he has been refusing to answer questions on the ground that the White Paper is coming out, and will he not agree that we cannot have the same practice adopted here as is adopted in regard to the Budget, with a complete black-out on Questions and Answers because the White Paper is coming out?

Mr. Sandys

I am glad the hon. Gentleman thinks that he has had a perfectly fair answer today.