§ 36. Sir ROBERT THOMASasked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether he has received a communication from Miss Violet Douglas-Pennant, dated 3rd May, which is a primâ facie case, such as he required to have before granting the inquiry; whether an answer has been sent to Miss Douglas-Pennant; and whether he will now assure the House that the Government will fulfil its pledge and grant the inquiry?
§ Major-General SEELYThe communication referred to has been received and an answer sent. In the view of the Secretary of State, no case for a public inquiry has been made out. He has informed Miss Douglas-Pennant that he is prepared to publish the papers if the House desire it, and has asked what are her wishes in the matter. The Secretary of State has received no answer to his question, and, in view of the Debate which it is desired to have in another place, he has decided to lay the papers at once.
§ Sir R. THOMASIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a Committee of both Houses of Parliament has been sitting to consider Miss Douglas-Pennant's statement with corroborative evidence, and has come to the unanimous conclusion that a primâ facie case has been established. In these circumstances will the right hon. Gentleman appoint a Committee of this House to decide whether a primâ facie case has been established or not, and not take the responsibility upon himself?
§ Major-General SEELYI will communicate my hon. Friend's views to the Secretary of State for War, who is dealing personally with the matter.