ROYAL COMMISSION ON AGRICULTURE.

HC Deb 04 August 1919 vol 119 cc19-21

50. Major HOWARD

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction at the knowledge that the Royal Commission on Agriculture has been sitting in private and has decided to continue doing so; and whether he will request the Commission to sit in public, and to have their proceedings officially reported, so that Members of this House and the public generally may be able to follow the evidence given?

51. Captain TERRELL

asked the Prime Minister whether the proceedings of the Royal Commission on Agriculture are to be held privately; what arc the reasons for this course; and whether, in the interests of the public, this decision should be immediately reversed?

58. Sir FORTESCUE FLANNERY

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the reported decision of the Commission on Agriculture that their proceedings shall be conducted in private; and whether he can make representations to the Commission that in so important an Inquiry the fullest publicity is essential at all stages to ensure confidence in the ultimate recommendations of the Commission?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The question of the admission of the Press and public to the sittings on a Royal Commission is entirely one for the Commission itself to decide, and I have no power to interfere in any way with the discretion of the Commission in this case. The evidence laid before it will, as is usual in the case of such Commissions, be published in due course, and I understand that the Commission proposes to issue an official report of its proceedings to the Press at the end of each day's sittings.

Sir F. FLANNERY

Is it not in the power of the Government to draw the attention of the Commission to the matter and to state what is the opinion of all agriculturists?

Mr. BONAR LAW

As the Government have no power to interfere. I hardly think they have the right to make such a suggestion.

Mr. McNEILL

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that an expression of opinion from the Government would be desirable?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I think there are objections to that. The rule in regard to Royal Commissions is quite definite, and I hardly think it would be right to make an exception in this case.

Major LANE-FOX

Will they have any power to suppress portions of the evidence published?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I think not.