asked the Prime Minister when it is intended to make an announcement with regard to the naval shipbuilding programme of the Government?

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will await the statement which, with the permission of the House, I propose to make at the close of Questions.

Am I not entitled to an answer? Proper notice was given of this question, and I think there should be some reply made to it. Of course, if there is to be a long statement, I do not object to waiting for the statement.

The statement to be made later will be in reply to some further question. The hon. and gallant Member will not wish to deprive other hon. Members of their proper opportunity.

I do not quite follow, Sir. I have asked a certain question, and any hon. Member has the right to put supplementary questions on it?

To take the statement now would be to deprive some Members of their part of Question Time.

On a point of Order. May I point out that the hon. and gallant Member asked me when it is intended to make a statement, and I have said that it is intended to make it after Questions?

On the point of Order. Would you, Sir, say in the interest of private Members whether it is possible for a question of which notice has been given to be side-tracked or anticipated by a private notice question subsequently?

I cannot see how that can be. The Prime Minister says he intends to make an announcement at the end of Questions to-day, and that is the answer to the question.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman how many cruisers it is intended to lay down?

That will come in the statement.