HC Deb 16 October 1912 vol 42 cc1222-3
52 and 53. Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Prime Minister (52) whether he has received a fourth memorial, signed by Members of this House, asking him to approach those witnesses who gave evidence before the Committee on Irish Finance with a view to the publication of that portion of it in respect of which no pledge of secrecy was given or is now insisted upon; and (53) what is the total number of signatures of Members of this House, exclusive of duplicates, to the four memorials asking him to publish the evidence given before the Committee on Irish Finance?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

My right hon. Friend has received the memorial referred to. The total number of signatures to the four memorials is, I believe, 327.

Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Seeing that practically half this House have now asked for the production of this evidence, cannot the right hon. Gentleman see his way to publish it?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I do not think it can be said that half the House has asked for it.

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Is the Government afraid to publish it?

Mr. PIRIE

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any reason for the secrecy with regard to this Commission, and is he not aware that it is arousing suspicion in the minds of the English and Scotch taxpayers that they are not being fairly treated?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I understand this was an inquiry at which witnesses gave their evidence on the supposition that it was a private and confidential inquiry; and I think it would be rather a serious matter if, when the Government has an inquiry of that character on that understanding, the names of the witnesses and their evidence were supplied without their consent.

Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Has not a pledge been given that if a sufficient body of Members in this House asked for the evidence it should be produced?

Mr. FALLE

Could not the evidence be published without the names of the witnesses?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I am not sure that would serve any useful purpose, but I will consider it.

Mr. PIRIE

Is it not the case that all that is requested is the evidence to the publication of which the witnesses have no objection?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I will submit all these considerations to the Prime Minister, and perhaps another question will be put down on the subject. Meanwhile, I will look up the answer to which the hon. Gentleman (Mr. G. Locker-Lampson) has referred.

Mr. PIRIE

It is in the Government's own interest.