§ Viscount HELMSLEYasked what opportunity, if any, after the publication of the circular, was given to Mr. Holmes to explain the reasons which induced him to send it out, and the circumstances under which it was written?
§ Mr. TREVELYANThe Noble Lord's question is not quite clear. Mr. Holmes has been in Italy for some time. The circumstances under which Mr. Holmes wrote his confidential Memorandum, and his views as to the extent of the distribution of the Memorandum amongst his colleagues, are shown on the papers in the possession of the Board, and nothing would 1967 be gained by inviting him now, after an interval of a year, to furnish further explanations.
§ Viscount HELMSLEYAre we to understand that it is the practice of Ministers to shift the responsibility which ought to rest on their shoulders on to those of subordinates who are no longer in office?
§ Mr. TREVELYANNo, Sir, it is not.