§ Q17. Mr. Milneasked the Prime Minister if the public speech on Great Britain and the Common Market given 264 by the Foreign Secretary at the Albert Hall on Wednesday, 22nd February, represented Government policy.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply of 23rd February to a supplementary question by the hon. Member for Cirencester and Tewkesbury (Mr. Ridley). —[Vol. 741, c. 1952.]
§ Mr. MilneIs the Prime Minister aware that we are both relieved and pleased with that reply? Will he also underline the fact that the decision in relation to Britain's entry will be taken by the Government and this House and not by outside bodies, no matter how exalted?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. I have made that clear on many occasions. The speech of my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, which is available to hon. Members, was a clear statement of some of the difficulties which have to be overcome.
§ Mr. ShinwellDid I understand my right hon. Friend to say, in reply to the supplementary question of my hon. Friend the Member for Blyth (Mr. Milne), that the decision will be taken by the House? If so, when?
§ The Prime MinisterI replied "Yes, Sir" to my hon. Friend and said that the decision would be taken by the Government and not by an outside organisation. Of course it will be taken by the Government and will be announced in the House, when the House will naturally wish to discuss it.