§ Q3. Sir T. Beamishasked the Prime Minister whether the public speech by the Lord President of the Council made at Coventry on 4th June 1967, on the prices and incomes standstill represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir.
§ Sir T. BeamishWell, is not that peculiar? Is it really Government policy that even a restoration of the growth rate and improved social services cannot be achieved without a massive cut-back in defence—massive, repeat massive?
§ The Prime MinisterWe have always said, and the hon. and gallant Gentleman will have a chance of studying this, I hope, next week, that we cannot achieve economic viability and stability on the scale we want, still less the social service result, unless we cut our defence costs to the resources available.
§ Mr. SandysIs not this a rare and refreshing example of a Minister blurting out the unvarnished truth?
§ The Prime MinisterI am very glad to have the right hon. Gentleman's support for what my right hon. Friend said about defence. I shall look forward to his 1004 opposition speech below the Gangway supporting the cuts in defence which will be announced.