HC Deb 04 May 1916 vol 82 c108
17. Mr. HOUSTON

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether at his invitation the editors of the newspaper Press met him at the Admiralty on 27th April, and received from him at some length confidential information regarding mercantile tonnage and submarine operations?

Mr. BALFOUR

The answer is in the affirmative.

Mr. HOUSTON

Can my right hon. Friend see his way to extend to Members of this House the same courtesy as is shown to members of the Press?

Mr. BALFOUR

I do not know whether this House of 670 Members would be under any circumstances regarded as precisely in the same category as a meeting of editors of newspapers.

Mr. HOUSTON

Would the right hon. Gentleman agree to a secret session?

Mr. BALFOUR

My hon. Friend must address that question to the Prime Minister.

Mr. HOGGE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Secret Session last Wednesday I asked for this information and got no reply?

Mr. BALFOUR

I am not aware of the circumstances to which my hon. Friend refers. Perhaps, if he would let me know the facts, I could give him an answer.