HC Deb 30 April 1936 vol 311 cc1088-9
47. Mr. GREENWOOD

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now state the result of the inquiries made into the alleged leakage of Budget secrets?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am expecting to receive a further communication from the chairman of Lloyds, in the course of the next day or so.

Mr. ATTLEE

Is it not clear that there is now a prima facie case for inquiry, and, in view of the amount, of rumours and of discussion in the papers, is it not desirable that a commission with full power to obtain evidence should be set up at once?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

It is too soon to form any such conclusion as that, considering that I am expecting to receive this report in the course of a day or two. I do not think there is any undue delay.

Mr. ATTLEE

Is it not clear that no private body has sufficient powers to make inquiries to get to the bottom of this question?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Not at present, but it may be clear when I have received this report.

Mr. DAY

Have the Stock Exchange Committee been asked to co-operate in these inquiries?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir.