HL Deb 10 March 1959 vol 214 cc843-4
VISCOUNT ELIBANK

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will state the number and value of tractors sold by British manufacturers to China since the embargo on these vehicles was removed.]

THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (VISCOUNT HAILSHAM)

My Lords, I must apologise to the noble Viscount for the absence of some noble friend whom I have not yet identified. I hope that he will forgive me if the Government appear to have been caught without a Minister.

VISCOUNT ELIBANK

My Lords, might I ask my Question following upon the other two?

VISCOUNT HAILSHAM

My Lords, I shall be delighted, if this is in accordance with your Lordships' wishes. I hope that the noble Viscount will not in any way be prejudiced, and I can only apologise humbly on behalf of the Government. Certainly, if the noble Viscount will raise his Question again following upon the other two Questions, I will do my best to get somebody here. I am afraid that I was taken completely by surprise, as was the noble Viscount.

VISCOUNT ELIBANK

My Lords, I absolutely understand these little local difficulties.

VISCOUNT HAILSHAM

I wish all "little local difficulties" were treated as courteously and as friendly as this.

LORD WILMOT OF SELMESTON

The Government could resign!