§ 2.36 p.m.
§ EARL JOWITTMy Lords, I beg to ask the noble Earl, Lord Onslow, a Question of which I have given him private notice. I may say that I did not give previous notice to the noble Marquess the Leader of the House, and I well understand that the noble Earl will be unable to give me an authoritative answer until he has had an opportunity of discussing it with his Leader. It is possible that the noble Marquess will think it right to make some statement later on in the afternoon. The Question is this: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will make a statement on the situation in Korea in this House on Tuesday next; and, if so, whether it would be in order for a brief debate to follow immediately on that statement. I have ascertained that, so far as the noble and gallant Earl, the Minister of Defence, is concerned, he would welcome the opportunity of a brief debate, if it is possible, in order that the whole matter may be cleared up. And I feel that it could be done more effectively in that way than by a series of questions and answers.
THE EARL OF ONSLOWMy Lords, I am grateful to the noble and learned Earl, who did give me notice of his Question. As he says, my noble friend the Leader of the House is absent from the Chamber on other business of State, and therefore I cannot give a categorical answer at the moment. However, I can assure the noble and learned Earl that as soon as I can contact my noble friend I will put the matter before him, and a statement will be made some time this afternoon.