§ 52. Mr. PIRIEasked the Prime Minister whether he has received the further memorial asking him to publish the evidence given before the Committee on Irish Finance, as a majority of Members of this House have signed the memorials; and, if so, will he, therefore, act on their request?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The evidence seems to me to fall short of indicating a general desire.
§ Mr. PIRIEMay I ask whether it is not the case that in dealing with the important question of Irish Finance the Prime Minister condemns this House to discuss it, not only gagged, but blindfold? May I further ask if he considers such a procedure either fair or treating the House of Commons with due respect?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe hon. Member uses some very strong phrases. This was evidence given confidentially, which the Government are not in the least degree obliged to publish, and which they could not publish without the consent of the witnesses. I said that if a general desire on the part of the House was expressed I would see whether that seal could not be removed. Such a general desire has not been expressed.
§ Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSONAre we to understand that a majority of the Members of this House have not signed the memorial?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am told that 344 out of 670 signed the memorial. That does not indicate to me a general desire on the part of the House.
§ Mr. REMNANTMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman, in view of what he has said, whether he considers that when the Government was saved by a majority of only four, there was any general opinion in this House in favour of the Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat does not arise out of the answer. When I say that I want an indication of a general desire, I do not mean the desire of a bare majority.
§ Mr. PIRIECould not the Government publish the evidence in cases where no pledge of secrecy was asked for?