HC Deb 24 February 1960 vol 618 c372
Mr. Gaitskell

Mr. Speaker, I should like to seek your guidance on a point of order. We sought this morning to obtain your permission for a Private Notice Question relating to the reported negotiations—

Mr. Speaker

I hope that the right hon. Gentleman will be cautious.

Mr. Gaitskell

I wish merely to explain the subject of the point of order, Sir—relating to the reported negotiations between the Federal German Government and the Spanish Government for the setting up of German bases in Spain.

You were not able to grant that permission, on the ground, I think, that there are already Questions on the Order Paper for Monday. But this would mean that the House would not have a Government statement on the matter, and no opportunity for discussing it before Monday. I was wondering, therefore, whether the Government could, at least, give us an assurance that they will make a statement not later than tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker

That is the kind of point of order which is addressed to me so that it may echo elsewhere.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. R. A. Butler)

I will take the hint, Sir. All I can do, in the circumstances, is to say that I will immediately discuss this matter with my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.