HC Deb 23 October 1918 vol 110 cc772-3
56. Major DAVID DAVIES

asked the Prime Minister whether the recent interview accorded by Lord Milner to the "Evening Standard" purports to represent the views of His Majesty's Government; whether the report of this interview was telegraphed to Holland on Thursday afternoon; and, if so, whether this was done with or without the knowledge of the Foreign Office?

Mr. BONAR LAW

In answer to the first part of the question, the statements of my Noble Friend were, of course, made on his own responsibility. The interview was dealt with in the usual way by the Press, and no special action was taken by the Foreign Office.

Mr. DILLON

Are we to understand that for the future, when a member of the Government; makes statements—

HON. MEMBERS

War Cabinet!

Mr. DILLON

No, he is not a member of the War Cabinet now; he is the Minister for War. Are we to understand, when a member of the Government makes statements, that they have no more relation to the policy of the Goverinment than if they were made by an ordinary Member of the House?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Certainly not; but the hon. Member, who has had as much experience as anyone in the House, knows that it is not the business of the Cabinet to censor beforehand the speeches of members of the Government.

Mr. DILLON

This is a very serious matter, and I think we are entitled to know whether, if it is not the business of the Government to censor beforehand the speeches of Ministers, it is not the business of the Government to let the world know whether a member of the Government speaks for the Government or not?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The hon. Member knows perfectly well what the custom has always been, and it has not been in the least changed in that respect. Cabinet Ministers make speeches without consulting their colleagues, and the hon. Member has no right to conclude that all his colleagues do not agree with the statements that the Minister makes.

Mr. DILLON

Do they agree? It is a very fair question, because the whole of the American Press are now asking that question. Do they agree?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member had better give notice of that question. It is not on the Paper.

Mr. HOGGE

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Adjournment to-night.