§ 17. Sir FRANK MEYERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has taken, or intends to take, any action as a result of representations made to him by the Polish Government with reference to statements published by a recent political delegation to Poland?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINThe Polish Government have made no suggestion that I should take any action in this matter, for which His Majesty's Government are in no way responsible.
§ Sir F. MEYERIs it not a fact that members of this delegation obtained credentials as members of the official Labour party, and when they got to Poland they declared that they were members of the International Class War?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is now trying to put in the form of a question something that was not allowed.
§ Colonel WOODCOCKCan the right hon. Gentleman give the names of the two ex-Ministers who gave letters of introduction and sponsored these Members of the Labour party, and whether—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat again is a matter which does not concern this House.
Mr. BECKETTIn view of the fact that in one organ of the Press there have 911 been rather serious charges of breach of faith against the hon. Member for Darlington (Mr. Shepherd) and myself, which appear to be substantiated in these questions, would you allow us to make a brief personal statement after Questions?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIf there be any statement affecting the honour of two hon. Members made in the House, of course they would be entitled to make an explanation, but for statements in the Press they have a different remedy.
Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLThey can bring an action against the Press to vindicate themselves.
Mr. BECKETTI would point out that the allegation has been made in this House that the hon. Member for Darlington and myself made misrepresentations to the Polish Embassy. I would very much like to make a short personal statement, with your permission.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI am afraid that according to our Rules a personal explanation can only refer to a matter which has arisen in the House. I was careful to disallow a question which conveyed even a hidden allegation against the hon. Member, and the answer which has just been given confirms the wisdom of that step.
Mr. BECKETTThe suggestion was distinctly made by the hon. Member who spoke from the other side of the House that misrepresentation had been made by us to the Polish Embassy; and whether that statement is made in the Press or is made by an hon. Member of this House, it is a deliberate lie, which they know to be a lie.