HC Deb 04 March 1920 vol 126 c637
72. Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will reconsider his decision not to publish the replies of the various Departments to the Cabinet letter of 20th November last as to the cutting down of their expenditure?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir. Reports of this character made for the information of the Cabinet must be treated as confidential if they are to preserve their utility.

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

As the letter of the Cabinet to the Departments was published, why are the replies not published?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Because two wrongs do not make a right. The letter to the Departments ought never to have been published. It was given for publication by some breach of confidence.