HC Deb 09 June 1936 vol 313 cc38-40
Mr. ATTLEE

asked the Home Secretary what action the Government propose to take with regard to the findings of the Budget Disclosure Inquiry.

Sir J. SIMON

The right hon. Gentleman before the Whitsun Recess asked the Government to make arrangements for an immediate Debate as soon as the report of the Tribunal was received. The Government are prepared, if desired, to set aside Thursday of this week for this purpose. As regards any other action, I am not able to give an answer to-day. The Minutes of Evidence taken before the Tribunal were only published at the end of last week, and it is right that the fullest consideration should be given to the whole matter. I am informed that the Blue Book is available to hon. Members to-day.

Mr. ATTLEE

May I ask whether on the occasion of the Debate on Thursday the Prime Minister will put down a Motion expressing the opinion of the House, or asking for an expression of opinion by the House on the findings of the Commission?

Sir J. SIMON

That is a matter for consideration, and I have no doubt that the right hon. Gentleman will put a question about it to-morrow.

Mr. ATTLEE

It is rather important that the House should know what course the Debate will take, and it is also im- portant from the point of view of hon. Members who are implicated by the report. I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not possible for the Government to make up their mind on the matter and give a lead?

Sir J. SIMON

I do not think the right hon. Gentleman or the House has the smallest ground for complaint. I agree that it is a very serious matter, and it is quite right that it should be carefully considered before a decision is arrived at.

Viscountess ASTOR

Will the right hon. Gentleman find out whether it is the desire of the whole of the House that there should be a Debate on the subject?

Mr. BOOTHBY

May I ask whether it is possible for the Law Officers of the Crown to take whatever decision they may require to come to before the Debate on Thursday?

Sir J. SIMON

On that I would observe that this is a matter for the Attorney-General, not for the Law Officers of the Crown. Any question of criminal proceedings is solely a matter for the Attorney-General, and the Cabinet have no right, and no intention of influencing the Attorney-General in his decision in any way. If the Attorney-General is asked, if a question is put down, it may be possible to ascertain his views before the Debate on Thursday.

Mr. ATTLEE

It is important that we should know his decision before we have the Debate, otherwise it would be extremely difficult for the House to debate the matter.

Sir J. SIMON

I quite realise that.

Sir ARCHIBALD SINCLAIR

Would it not be better, if the Attorney-General cannot announce his decision within the next day or two, to postpone the Debate?

Mr. CHURCHILL

In the event of the Attorney-General advising in favour of a prosecution, would not a debate be impossible as dealing with a matter which would be sub judice? Is it not therefore essential, if the fullest consideration is to be given to the matter, that the House should be in possession of the Attorney-General's decision before attempting to discuss the matter?

Sir J. SIMON

I entirely agree with the right hon. Gentleman. I am only concerned to secure, as I am sure the whole House will wish to secure, that the Attorney-General has proper time to consider the matter, and when a decision has been reached, of which the Government have no knowledge at all, the Attorney-General will make a statement in public. I agree that this must be ascertained before a Debate can take place.

Mr. ATTLEE

In view of the reply, I will repeat my question to-morrow.