HC Deb 16 July 1958 vol 591 cc1233-4
45. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Secretary of State for Air what changes are to take place in his Department in consequence of the proposed changes in the organisation of the Ministry of Defence.

Mr. Ward

None, Sir.

Mr. Shinwell

Does this mean that the right hon. Gentleman has won his battle against the Minister of Defence? What has the fuss been about and all these reports in the newspapers and all the rumours about the right hon. Gentleman's resignation? Has he withdrawn his resignation? Can he give the exact date when he withdrew it, and did he withdraw it simply because he had won the battle?

Mr. Ward

I and all my colleagues have remained on very friendly terms. The right hon. Gentleman's allegations are quite unfounded.

Mr. Shinwell

Do I understand that the only answer the right hon. Gentleman can give is that he remains on friendly terms with the Minister of Defence? Are we to understand that the more things change the more they remain the same?