§ 87. Mr. HOBHOUSEasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the recent private communications made to the Press by individual Ministers, he will give 402 another Secret Session of the House in order that it may be fully informed of the military and naval position?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am not sure, having regard to our past experience, that there is a general desire for another Secret Session. If there is, the Government will give it careful consideration.
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEPerhaps my right hon. Friend can state how that information can best be conveyed to the Government, because a good many Members of this House have intimated to me their agreement with this question?
§ Sir E. CARSONMay I ask my right hon. Friend if some opportunity will be afforded, whether by Secret Session, or otherwise, of communicating to this House what has already been communicated to the Press by the First Lord of the Admiralty?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAs regards the question of my right hon. Friend (Mr. Hobhouse), I think it would be difficult to describe the process, but I have noticed that there is some method by which the wish of the House can be discovered, and I am sure that it will be seen in this case. I am sorry that I can add nothing to the reply given the other day by the Prime Minister.
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEMay I suggest that my question has conveyed to the Government already the sense of the House in this matter?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat is not quite sufficient.
§ Commander WEDGWOODCan the right hon. Gentleman say how he expects this House to consider the question of man-power, which is of extreme importance at the present time, unless it is discussed in a Secret Session?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI quite agree that it would be extremely difficult to discuss it in any other way, and obviously it is a question which ought to be considered both by the Government and the House.
§ Mr. BILLINGHow is it that these secrets cannot be given to the freely elected representatives of the people, and yet they can be given to hired editors of the Press?