§ 54. Mr. BILLINGasked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the statements as to the identification of Government officials in the operations of German wireless undertakings, he will consider the desirability of setting up a Committee to inquire into and report upon all Government transactions in connection with wireless undertakings during the past- ten years?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer is in the negative.
§ Mr. BILLINGHaving regard to the public feeling in this matter, which was discussed in this House the day before yesterday, does not the right hon. Gentleman consider it in the public interest to clear the Government's connection with this extraordinary political ramp?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is-asking the same question, but in rather-longer words.
§ 59. Mr. BILLINGasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the attempt made by Mr. Godfrey Isaacs to blackmail a Member of this House while he was Postmaster-General for the purpose of forcing him to grant a 1157 Government concession favourable to the Marconi Company; and whether the Law Officers of the Crown have considered the desirability of instituting criminal proceedings against Mr. Godfrey Isaacs in this case?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI can add nothing to the statement made by the Attorney-General on the adjournment on Tuesday last.
§ Mr. BILLINGHas the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to a leading article in one of the official organs of His Majesty's Government this morning to the effect that this case should be brought for public trial, and are we to understand that that has the approval of the Government or are we to understand that the Government wish to hush this matter up?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe hon. Member need not understand the last part of the question. As regards the first part. I have not seen the article in the paper to which he refers.
§ Mr. BILLINGMay I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the leader in the "Daily Mail" this morning?