HC Deb 15 December 1932 vol 273 cc526-7
Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

(by Private Notice) asked the Lord President of the Council whether the Government are prepared either to publish or consent to publication of the Minutes of the discussion, referred to in yesterday's Debate on the question of the American Debt, which took place in 1922 before the issue of the Balfour Note, when it was expressly stated that the instructions given to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to negotiate a debt settlement with America would be the line which he was to follow?

The LORD PRESIDENT of the COUNCIL (Mr. Baldwin)

I am replying to this question on behalf of the Prime Minister, who, I regret to say, is still confined to his room. I learn from the proper constitutional authorities that the publication of Cabinet Minutes would require the approval of the King. The approach to the King should be made through the Prime Minister of the day, as the custodian of Cabinet archives, and it would be the duty of the Prime Minister of the day to advise His Majesty whether permission should be given for publication or not. The Prime Minister is not prepared to advise His Majesty that it would be in the public interest to publish the Minutes to which the right hon. Gentleman refers.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, arising out of his reply, whether, having regard to the fact that not merely was reference made to what took place on that occasion, but that three Members who took part in that discussion gave their version of what, was said and there was a difference of opinion, it would not be desirable that the actual record should be published, so that the public should know who stated the facts fairly, and who it was that gave an inaccurate version of this transaction?

Sir W. DAVISON

Is it not very much more important that the country's interest should be considered in this matter, rather than checking the memory of an individual, however important?

Mr. BALDWIN

My right hon. Friend will, of course, recognise the fact that I cannot either go behind or offer any criticism of the conduct of the Prime Minister, with whom the responsibility rests.

Mr. CHURCHILL

Is it not in accordance with constitutional usage that a Prime Minister, as the head of the Government directly responsible to the Sovereign, should receive special consideration in regard to publications affecting matters for which he has had the chief responsibility?

Mr. BALDWIN

I am not prepared without notice to answer those questions, but of course it is open at any time to the right hon. Gentleman or anyone who has held a similar position to approach the Prime Minister directly. This morning, of course, everything was very hurried.

Mr. CHURCHILL

Then, if the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Carnarvon Boroughs (Mr. Lloyd George) approaches the Prime Minister, the matter will receive further consideration?

Mr. BALDWIN

No, I did not say that, and I have no authority of any kind to give any answer; I merely stated what was the obvious rule.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Having regard to the fact that the initiative in revealing part of what took place was clue to others, am I not entitled to publication of the full and accurate official report of what actually occurred, so that everyone may be in a position to judge

Mr. BALDWIN

I do not feel called upon to answer that question.

Commander LOCKE.R-LAMPSON

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Prime Minister will be able to answer?