HL Deb 02 July 1940 vol 116 cc750-2

5.28 p.m.

LORD ADDISON

My Lords, I should like to ask the Leader of the House whether he can make any statement in regard to future business.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS (VISCOUNT CALDECOTE)

My Lords, I am much obliged to the noble Lord for giving me this opportunity of making a statement as to the debate which it had been proposed to hold on Thursday on foreign affairs. We have been in consultation with the noble Lord opposite (Lord Strabolgi) and I think he has seen my noble friend the Foreign Secretary and I am very much obliged to the noble Lord for assenting to the suggestion that was made to him that it would be better to postpone the debate which it had been proposed to hold. On what occasion the debate will take place is a matter which, perhaps, can be discussed with the noble Lord when the Foreign Secretary has had an opportunity of considering the position. Perhaps I may also say a word with reference to what has become the usual weekly statement. My right honourable friend the Prime Minister has authorised me to say that he is not certain whether it will be possible to make a statement this week, or indeed as to which day next week a statement will be made if one is not possible this week. Perhaps that matter also may be left in abeyance.

LORD ADDISON

My Lords, while I thank the noble Viscount for his explanation I would like to express what I feel sure is a very general feeling that if it is possible to make a useful statement of a sufficiently definite kind I am quite sure it would be very much appreciated outside this House, and, I believe, inside it. The public is anxious to do everything it can, but it does hunger quite naturally in these critical times for useful statements from Parliament, and it is very undesirable to delay a day longer than is necessary the making of any useful statement that can be made.

VISCOUNT CALDECOTE

My Lords, I can assure the noble Lord there would be no unnecessary postponement of the debate. I will convey what he has said to my right honourable friend the Prime Minister.

House adjourned at half-past five o'clock.