HC Deb 08 July 1958 vol 591 cc201-3
48. Mr. G. Brown

asked the Prime Minister whether he will now make a statement about reorganisation of the defence services.

52. Sir W. Anstruther-Gray

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding co-ordination of the defence services.

53. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Prime Minister whether, preceding a Government decision on the reorganisation of the Ministry of Defence and the Service Departments, the House will have an opportunity of debating the principles involved.

The Prime Minister

I hope to make a statement—or publish a White Paper—very shortly. Any question of debate can then be discussed through the usual channels.

Mr. Brown

May I ask the Prime Minister a question which he obviously anticipates? This is now becoming a public scandal, with the amount of public discussion now going on through obviously inspired leaks. Does not he think that he ought to bring it to a head now?

The Prime Minister

I hope to do so shortly—perhaps within the next week or so. I would remind the right hon. Gentleman and the House of the very weighty words that fell from you yesterday, Mr. Speaker, that haste is a frequent source of error.

Mr. Shinwell

While it is obvious that any decision reached is a matter for the Government, would not there be some advantage on an important matter of this sort which may involve legislation and probably some constitutional change—I cannot tell—if the right hon. Gentleman collected the voices and heard what hon. Members on both sides of the House had to say before reaching a decision? Would there not be some advantage in that course?

The Prime Minister

I think that I have already indicated on more than one occasion that I am always ready to discuss a matter of this kind with the Leader of the Opposition and with other Privy Councillors, if they wish it. I have said that several times. Had there been any approach to me I should certainly have been willing to do that.

Mr. Shinwell

I am asking whether, according to precedent—and this has happened on several occasions when important issues are involved—the right hon. Gentleman, having produced the White Paper and hon. Members having had an opportunity of reading it, a debate may be allowed to take place before he and the Government come to a definite decision.

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. I think that it really must depend on the character of the White Paper. Whether or not a debate will be required will be a matter for discussion and consultation after its appearance.

Mr. Bellenger

The Prime Minister will know that in the Press there is a good deal of bandying about of political as well as military matters, and that is not good for the Services. Can he take us into his confidence to the extent of saying that the only matters holding up this statement are military ones?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. What is holding up the statement—although it has been under discussion for some time—is the fact that one way and another I have quite a lot of other things to attend to.