78. Sir H. DALZIELasked the Prime Minister whether he is now able to state definitely the decision of the Government in regard to a Secret Session?
§ 79. Mr. HOBHOUSEasked the Prime Minister whether he will grant a Secret Session of the House to discuss fully the naval, military, and financial position of the country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am advised that there is not sufficient evidence of a general desire in the House for such a Session, but if my right hon. Friends can satisfy me that there is such a general desire, both as to having a Secret Session and as to the topics which should be discussed at it, the Government will certainly reconsider the matter.
Sir H. DALZIELMy right hon. Friend said some days ago that he would communicate with representative Members of the House in regard to the matter. Has he done so, and, if so, with what result?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEBefore the Prime Minister answers that question, is he aware that the Colonial Secretary on his behalf asked me to communicate to the Chief Whip the names of Members who were desirous of having a Secret Session, and that I communicated such names, and was assured, or at least I understood that I was assured, that the names furnished to my hon. Friend were sufficient to indicate the general sense of the House?
§ Sir E. CARSONWill the discussion on man-power be an open discussion?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI had much rather that it was.
§ Mr. PRINGLEShall we have the Report of the Man-Power Board for the purposes of this discussion?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAll available materials will be at the disposal of the House.
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEDoes the Prime Minister desire further evidence of the opinion of the House on this matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI shall be glad to receive and consider it.
§ Commander BELLAIRSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that confidential information has been given by the First Lord of the Admiralty to the Press which has never been given to this House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat seems rather an argument in favour of an open discussion.