67. Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, why the Colonial Office published the correspondence leading up to the resignation of Colonel T. E. Lawrence of his post in the Middle East Department: whether there have been any differences of opinion between himself and Colonel Lawrence on matters affecting British administration and policy in the Middle East; and will he state if it is intended to abolish the Department?
Mr. WOODThe object in publishing the correspondence referred to was to make it clear that Colonel Lawrence's resignation was due to no difference of opinion on policy between my right hon. Friend and him. The answer to the last two parts of the question is in the negative.
Sir F. HALLConsidering that the brains of the Department have gone, is it necessary to keep the remainder?