HC Deb 26 June 1939 vol 349 cc27-8
57. Mr. Ammon

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that Members of Parliament have been approached by representatives of football pools and offered monetary payment if they will agree to present the cheques to the winners of the competitions and to permit of photographs, for publication, being taken of such presentations; and whether, having regard to the possibility of the regulation of such competitions coming before Parliament, any steps will be taken to prevent such practices?

The Attorney-General (Sir Donald Somervell)

I am not aware that Members have been approached as stated in the question. I am not quite sure what point the hon. Member is putting to me, but if he is desiring to raise the question of the propriety of Members accepting such payments, that would not, I think, be a matter on which I should express an opinion in answer to a question.

Mr. Ammon

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman appreciate that this raises a very serious reflection on Parliament, and should this matter not come under discussion, that Members have received these offers of very substantial cheques?

The Attorney-General

As I said in the first part of my answer, I am not aware that Members have been approached as stated in the question. With regard to the second part of the hon. Member's supplementary question, he asked me whether this was or might not be a reflection on Parliament, but I think he and the House will appreciate that it would not be for me, in answer to a question, to say whether this matter did or did not result in a reflection on Parliament.

Mr. Ammon

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman know that some hon. Members have given me permission to mention their names as having, in addition to myself, been offered very substantial cheques, and surely this is a matter which might come within the ambit of graft and bribery?

The Attorney-General

That, I think, again raises a different question, namely, whether some transaction may not amount to a criminal offence. I am not sure that it would be an appropriate subject matter for dealing with across the Floor of the House by way of question and answer. If the hon. Member thinks I can assist him in any way, I shall be very glad to discuss it with him, but it is not a matter on which I could express a definite opinion in answer to a question.

Mr. Ammon

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman not aware that I am not concerned about myself personally, but that it is the honour and credit of the House that I am talking about, and that I asked him whether he will look at it from that aspect and not from my personal point of view?

Sir H. Williams

Has my right hon. and learned Friend received any information to indicate what our respective drawing values are?

Mr. T. Smith

Is this not one of those matters which hon. Members should treat with contempt?