§ Mr. McGOVERN (by Private Notice)asked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been drawn to a statement in the "Daily Express" of the 14th March, giving the names of Mr. Herbert Morrison and Mr. Alexander as having voted for dole cuts in the late Labour Cabinet, and proposing to give the names of the other 10 who voted for a similar policy; and if he proposes to institute proceedings under the Official Secrets Acts against this paper?
§ Mr. MAXTONSurely, this is a question which the Attorney-General should be present to answer?
§ Mr. McGOVERNNotice was given last night.
§ Mr. MAXTONSurely there is something very badly wrong if the Attorney-General cannot be here?
§ Later—
§ Mr. BUCHANANWith your permission, Sir, seeing that the Solicitor-General is now present, might we ask for an answer to the question of my hon. Friend the Member for Shettleston (Mr. McGovern)?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL (Sir Donald Somervell)I have only just come into the House, and have no knowledge of the question, and, therefore, cannot possibly answer it. I can only convey to the House and to the hon. Member who asked the question, knowing nothing of the circumstances, the apology which I am sure my right hon. and learned Friend would be anxious should be expressed. He is in court. That is the whole explanation of how the trouble has arisen. That is all I can say.
§ Mr. McGOVERNI accept that. The question was sent in at a late hour last night, and may have been overlooked. I will put it down for Monday.