§ 50. Sir JOHN FERGUSONasked the Prime Minister whether he will institute an inquiry into the circumstances in which a newspaper has published what purports to represent the report, which has not yet been issued, of the Macmillan Committee; and whether he proposes to take any steps to prevent a repetition of similar leakages?
§ 55. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Prime Minister whether he will institute an inquiry into the publication in a certain newspaper of what is stated to be the contents of the Macmillan Committee's Report, with a view to ascertaining how this leakage of information occurred?
§ The PRIME MINISTERFrom inquiries I have made and from the official statement published by the Chairman of 33 the Committee I am satisfied that there has been no official leakage in this case, and consequently I do not propose to take further action.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLWhat does the right hon. Gentleman mean by "no official leakage?" Is it not a fact that extremely important and startling statements have been published by the "Daily Herald" in regard to the forthcoming report of this Committee, and will the right hon. Gentleman explain what form of unofficial leakage took place?
§ The PRIME MINISTERStartling statements are made by newspapers practically every day. Had the statement that was published in that newspaper been true, then it would have been a serious matter. But, as the Chairman of the Committee has informed everybody by a public statement made through the Press that the forecast is untrue, it does not matter to me how many misunderstandings may be published by the Press.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLWill the right hon. Gentleman——
§ Mr. JAMES HUDSONOn a point of Order. Is it in order for the right hon. Gentleman to base any question in this House upon startling statements appearing in any newspaper?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLOn that point of Order. I am basing myself entirely upon the Prime Minister's answer, which was to the effect that no official leakage had taken place, and I desire on that to ask him whether he will endeavour to trace the source of the unofficial leakage?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI wish to make it perfectly clear to the House and to everybody concerned, that it is not my business to trace the source of any rumour or report that may be published by any newspaper.
§ 56. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Prime Minister when it is expected that the report of the Macmillan Committee will be available?
§ 109. Mr. R. A. TAYLORasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Macmillan report on Finance and Industry will be published, and at what price it will be available to the public?
§ 110. Major NATHANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is able to state when he anticipates that the Macmillan report will be published?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Philip Snowden)I have been asked to reply. I understand that the report will be submitted to me during the course of this week, and it will be made available to Members as soon as possible, having regard to the time required for printing. Until I have received the report and am aware of its length, I am unable to say at what price it will be available.
§ Major NATHANCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the evidence will be printed simultaneously with, or as soon as possible after, the publication of the report?
§ Mr. SNOWDENOf course, it is quite impossible that the voluminous evidence can be printed so soon.
§ Sir AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINWill the right hon. Gentleman take any measures that may be in his power to see that no copy of this report is published elsewhere before the House receives it?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLEven unofficially in the official organ?