§ 45. Mr. THOMAS RICHARDSasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the conditions of the pledge given to the House by the Secretary of State for War in the case of Miss Violet Douglas Pennant have now been complied with, the inquiry promised is to take place?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have been asked to answer this question. I am ready to lay on the Table of the House the correspondence which has passed up to the present on this subject between the Air Ministry and Miss Douglas Pennant if 2895 that is the desire of those who are acting for her, and if the House considers it of sufficient importance.
So far as it has at present proceeded, it does not, in my opinion, disclose any case different from that which could fee made by any person superseded in any situation against those among whom and under whom she has been working. I have, however, asked for more precise definitions of the various allegations which Miss Douglas Pennant has preferred.
It is possible that some of the statements might be suitable for private persons to test in the Courts in the ordinary way; but I do not at present discern any sufficient public grounds to justify the considerable expense of an official inquiry.
§ Mr. RICHARDSIs it not a fact that Miss Pennant made specific charges against certain people?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAs I have said I am willing if those who are acting for Miss Pennant wish it, and if they think it is in her interest, to lay the correspondence on the Table of the House so that hon. Members can judge for themselves.
§ Brigadier-General Sir O. THOMASWill the right hon. Gentleman supply the House with the report of the hon. Member for Luton (Mr. Harmsworth) in respect of which the Prime Minister has already promised an inquiry into this case?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir, I am not prepared to lay that report on the Table. After making inquiries I ascertained that the hon. Member for Luton considered it was a private report drawn up by him for the information of the Prime Minister, and on general grounds it would be fatal to the administration of public Departments if documents of this kind prepared in this way were subsequently to be published.
§ Sir O. THOMASWill the right hon. Gentleman say why the advice of the Prime Minister was not acted upon?
Mr. T. WILSONIf the right hon. Gentleman lays on the Table of the House the papers referred to, will he also lay on the Table the letters of protest from Miss Pennant's subordinates?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI think the matter is one between this lady and the Department concerned. The correspondence I have mentioned appears to be relevant to the issue.
§ Mr PEMBERTON BILLINGAre we to understand that in the event of this case being taken to the Courts, all the official documents will be disclosed?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt is not for me to attempt to lay down rules for the conduct of proceedings in the Courts.