§ 71. Colonel GRETTONasked the Prime Minister if the attention of the Public Prosecutor has been drawn to the series of articles lately appearing in the "Financial News" which attack the Government, and reflect particularly upon the Lord Chief Justice; and if it is proposed to take any action in the matter?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI understand that articles of the kind referred to have lately appeared. So far as I know there is not the least truth in the suggestion made. When the question was put down I communicated with the Lord Chief Justice, who desires it to be stated that he knows nothing, and has never heard of any dealings or interest in shares of any Marconi Company by any Ministers or "person of influence" other than those which were fully investigated some years ago by a Committee of this House, I cannot say more than that these articles are being watched by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
§ Mr. BILLINGOn a point of Order. About fourteen days ago I handed a question in at that Table bearing on this subject asking permission to ask a question whether the Prime Minister's attention had been called to these articles in the "Financial News," and whether he did not consider, in view of the attack upon the probity of British Ministers which might cause dismay amongst our Allies, some statement might be advisable. I was refused permission to put that question on the reading that no question calling attention to anything appearing in any paper—
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe must get on with the business. The hon. Gentleman can raise that at the conclusion of Questions, when I shall be very glad to deal with it.