HC Deb 30 January 1918 vol 101 cc1556-7
49. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Prime Minister whether he will arrange for a Secret Sitting of the House so that the truth of the Cambrai affair may be told?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The answer is in the negative.

Mr. LYNCH

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that at least the Western Front will be as stubbornly defended as the reputations of those unsuccessful generals?

Mr. PRINGLE

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why Ministers discuss these matters at arranged gatherings outside, while all the facilities for discussion in the House of Commons are denied?

Mr. BONAR LAW

If the hon. Member refers to the Secretary of State for War—

Mr. PRINGLE

I do.

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have read his statement., and I do not see a single particle in it in which he differs from statements made in this House.

Mr. HOGGE

Arising out of the answer, does it mean according to the question that the truth has not been told?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It means that the answer to the question is that I do not propose to give any further facilities.

Mr. PRINGLE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when Sir Douglas Haig's dispatch on this incident will be published?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I cannot say. It has not yet been received.