§ 39. Mr. J. HARRISasked the Prime Minister whether he has received a petition, largely signed by hon. Members of this House, praying for an opportunity to discuss the Report on the case of the ex-ranker officers; and whether he proposes to provide such opportunity?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second in the negative. When this question was debated, the House accepted the Government's suggestion that it should be investigated by an impartial and independent Committee. That Committee, after full consideration, reported against the claims put forward, and the Report has been accepted by the Government.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAHas the right hon. Gentleman given consideration to the fact that when he made the suggestion that it should go to a Committee, the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition did concur in that, and said that, if the decision were against these men, at any rate the House would have an opportunity of considering that decision? Has the Prime Minister given consideration to that?
§ Mr. HARRISBefore the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, may I ask whether it is not also true that there was a larger acceptance by this House of the Committee because of that consideration?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI confess I have no recollection of the statement, but if this matter is going to be kept open after investigation, then I do not know where the end is going to be.
§ Mr. HOGGEHas the Report convinced the right hon. Gentleman that he was wrong when he gave his pledge in favour of the ex-ranker officers?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Report has convinced me that the statement of facts I had before me at the time was not a true statement.
§ Major HORE-BELISHAWhat steps have the Government taken with regard 871 to carrying out the recommendations of the Committee as to finding work for these ex-ranker officers?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat question had better be put down.