§ 2.35 p.m.
THE EARL OF JELLICOEMy Lords, I beg leave 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 make a statement on the agreement reached with the French Governmen on the joint production of the Anglo-French variable geometry aircraft.]
§ THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (LORD SHACKLETON)My Lords, before I reply, may I congratulate the noble Earl on a very popular appointment? I am sure that noble Lords on all sides of the House are very pleased with this appointment, although obviously we regret the departure to, I hope, more profitable fields of the noble Lord, Lord Harlech. As to the noble Earl's Question, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Defence hopes to be able to make a Statement in another place later this week.
EARL JELLICOEMy Lords, while thanking the noble Lord most sincerely for the courtesy which he has just extended to me, may I express my dis-
| Combined television and sound licences | Sound only licences (excluding car radios) | Car radio licences | Total | |
| May, 1965–66 | +270,000 | -218,000 | +36,000 | +88,000 |
| May, 1966–67 | +857,000 | -186,000 | +132,000 | +803,000 |
LORD INGLEWOODMy Lords, I thank the noble Baroness for that reply, from which, although it was difficult to follow the figures as she read them out, it would seem that the situation to-day is better than it was when one of her
§ appointment at the lack of substance, not altogether unanticipated, in his reply? Can he confirm the newspaper gossip, which we are reading in almost every newspaper, that his right honourable friend the Secretary of Sate for Defence will be making a Statement on Wednesday?
§ LORD SHACKLETONMy Lords, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition lacks for nothing in the matter of pertinacity. Certainly it is hoped that a Statement will be made on Wednesday.