HC Deb 13 May 1925 vol 183 c1845
48. Mr. SAMUEL ROBERTS

asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to publish, or to allow access to, the Harmsworth Departmental Committee Report with regard to the case of Miss Violet. DOUGLAS-PENNANT

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir. The Harmsworth Report was not the Report of a Departmental Committee, but a private Report for the information of the Prime Minister of the day, made by a member of his personal staff

Mr. ROBERTS

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister of the day stated that that Report would he published, but that it has never been published, and can he give any reason, seeing the great public interest in this case, and the feeling of intense grievance under which this lady suffers, why her advisers should not have access to this Report?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have no information beyond that which I have given, but perhaps the question of my hon. Friend would be better put to the. Prime Minister of that clay in a personal communication.

Mr. MORRIS

Will the right hon. Gentleman say that the only evidence which the Air Ministry has stated to be alleged against this lady was the evidence of a very junior and inexperienced officer?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I must not be taken as accepting that statement. This matter was very carefully inquired into. I do not want to prolong the controversy, hut I must not be taken as accepting these ex parteallegations