§ 40. Mr. Marshasked the Prime Minister if he is aware of recent cases in which members of the Government have made public statements on important political issues without first ensuring that they represent the policy of Her Majesty's Government; and if he will take steps to stop this practice.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)The hon. Gentleman's syllogism seems to me to be false. I do not accept his premise and therefore I cannot accept his conclusion.
§ Mr. MarshIs the Prime Minister not treating this matter with rather unusual levity? Whilst we would agree with his noble Friend the Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Viscount Lambton) about the peculiarities of the present Administration, would the Prime Minister none the less agree that it is rather unfortunate that statements on delicate facets of foreign affairs should be made at convivial dinner parties in the middle of the night while people are on holiday? 881 Has the Prime Minister also read the statement, attributed to the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, regretting the statement that he made in Kenya, and since this could possibly have had a serious effect upon life and property in that Colony, does not the Prime Minister think that he should exercise control over some of his Ministers?
§ The Prime MinisterWe had all this out a week or two ago. I do not see any point in rehashing it all now.
§ Sir Richard PilkingtonIs this not an extraordinary suggestion coming from the Opposition?