asked the PrimeMinister whether, in the future, notice will be given in advance to the House when Ministers intend to make important state ments on such subjects as Burma or Palestine.

It is already the practice, wherever possible, to make known in advance when it is proposed to give statements which are likely to be of special interest to the House, but there are, of course, some cases in which, for reasons of urgency or otherwise, this cannot be done.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he does not recollect that on Friday, 20th December, the day before the Recess, he made a statement with regard to Burma of vital importance, and although he informed the Front Bench Members, we humble Back Benchers knew nothing about it?

I am aware of that, but if the hon. Gentleman will study the answer I have given, he will see that there are cases of special urgency. I think that I explained at the time that I would like to have given notice, but I preferred, whenever possible, to bring the matter to the House rather than wait.