HC Deb 02 December 1936 vol 318 c1261
46. Mr. H. G. WILLIAMS

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give time for the consideration of the Motion put down for an early day by the hon. Member for Croydon, South? — That it is expedient that a tribunal be established for inquiring into the truth of the allegations contained in an article published in the 'Sunday Express' newspaper on Sunday, 29th November, written by Mr. Archie de Bear, to the effect that the late Sir Basil Zaharoff made corrupt payments to servants of the Crown.

The PRIME MINISTER

No, Sir. I may add that I have no intention whatever of taking any action on vague and irresponsible statements of the kind referred to in my hon. Friend's Motion. If, however, he is in a position to furnish me, on his own responsibility, with any information showing a prima facie case for inquiry, I shall, of coarse, be ready to consider it.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is the Prime Minister aware that these allegations as to the corruption of public servants by the late Sir Basil Zaharoff were made by a gentleman who was his private secretary at the time when these alleged corruptions took place, and in those circumstances is the Prime Minister prepared to give the matter further consideration?

The PRIME MINISTER

I think that I have replied to the question.