§ 46. Mr. Lewisasked the Prime Minister, in view of the confusion arising from the varying interpretation of Government policy by Ministers, if he will ensure that Ministerial statements conform in every case to the announced policy of Her Majesty's Government.
§ The Prime MinisterIt is through the statements of Ministers that Government policy is announced.
§ Mr. LewisAlmost every week, and almost every day, there are different statements from different Ministers, each contradicting the other, on various aspects of Government policy, particularly in regard to the Rent Act. Does not the Prime Minister think it far better to have all these Ministers at least declaring the policy of the Government with one voice?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that the policy of the Government as expressed by the Ministers is consistent and clear. I do not feel quite the same with regard to the policy of the Opposition.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that he is quite incorrect in what he has just said; that the official 1424 Labour Party policy on defence, declared at the last conference of the party at Brighton, remains official policy?
§ The Prime MinisterI am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman, but I think that he should not reopen these old wounds.