HC Deb 30 July 1918 vol 109 cc239-40
47. Sir R. COOPER

asked the Prime Miinster if he intends to consider the charge made against the right hon. Gentleman the Member for East Worcestershire by the hon. and gallant Member for Christchurch, or does he intend to make an official inquiry into the allegation that has been made, in view of the conflicting statements that have been made on the matter?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The answer is in the negative. Let me say further that in my deliberate opinion there is nothing in this case which reflects in any way upon the honour of my right hon. Friend.

Sir R. COOPER

May I ask if it is not a fact that there is no evidence whatever forthcoming to show that the right hon. Gentleman has not made a large profit out of the privilege he enjoyed?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I can only repeat what I said in my answer, that I have looked into the facts of this case, and I say openly that, in my opinion, the right hon. Gentleman has done nothing that might not have been done by any hon. Member of the House, including myself.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Does not all this fuss arise because the right hon. Gentleman in question has a wife who was kind enough to visit a German prisoner?

Sir R. COOPER

Is it not the fact that this question was put down before anything was known of that case?