HC Deb 24 June 1947 vol 439 cc202-4
46. Mr. Marlowe

asked the Prime Minister whether the evidence heard in camera last week by the Royal Commission inquiring into the Press will be subsequently published.

The Prime Minister

The Royal Commission's procedure is a matter for the Royal Commission itself to decide, but I am informed by the chairman of the Royal Commission that the Commission has not closed its mind to the possibility of eventually publishing some of the evidence taken orally in private. It does not feel able to come to a final decision on this point at the present stage but it has decided to publish as they are received the written memoranda which it will ask the principal witnesses to submit.

Mr. Marlowe

The right hon. Gentleman will be aware of the statement of the Commission that they do not propose to publish any oral evidence, the reason given being that that will enable witnesses to talk more freely. Is he aware that that has never been accepted in a court of law as a reason for hearing evidence in camera? Secondly, is it not a fact that this Commission was set up for the purpose of investigating certain allegations and charges made against the Press? Why should not those accusers come out into the open and substantiate their allegations in public?

The Prime Minister

In the first place, it is not a court of law, and the Royal Commission make their own procedure. In the second place, this Commission was set up to inquire into the best method of ensuring the freedom of the Press.

Mr. Haydn Davies

Is the Prime Minister aware that the decision to hear evidence in private is repugnant to those who sponsored the Motion for this Commission? Is he further aware that the Government have been blamed for this decision? Could he throw some light on the matter? Lastly, is it possible to alter and revise the terms of reference to ensure that evidence shall be taken in public?

The Prime Minister

That question should be put on the Order Paper. The point was made perfectly clear at the time of the appointment of the Commission that it is for the Commission to settle their own procedure.

Mr. Eden

Does not the Prime Minister think that this is rather an extraordinary procedure? In diplomacy we have open covenants openly arrived at. Apparently, in this case we will have open covenants secretly arrived at.

The Prime Minister

This is not a Government decision. This is a matter entirely decided by the Members of the Royal Commission.

Mr. Eden

Is it not true that the Government set up this Royal Commission, and would it not have been wise to have made sure that their proceedings were publicly conducted?

Mr. Driberg

Will the Prime Minister bear in mind that this decision is not repugnant to all those who sponsored the Motion for the setting up of this Commission? In this connection, will he also remind the Royal Commission of the danger of the subtler forms of victimisation?

Mr. Marlowe

While appreciating that the Commission has the responsibility for its own procedure, will the Prime Minister indicate to the Commission the undesira- bility of this procedure, in view of the general acceptance of its repugnance, and will he indicate that this procedure will shake confidence in any findings which they may make?