HC Deb 30 July 1940 vol 363 cc1153-4
45. Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Prime Minister whether the Swinton Committee is attached to any special Government Department?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Churchill)

I have already told the House in answer to a Question last week by the hon. Member that it is not in the public interest to give information about this committee or other committees connected with Secret Service, counteracting Fifth Column activities and the like. I take full responsibility for the control, character and composition of the committee, which contains among others a prominent trade union leader.

Mr. Strauss

Can the Prime Minister say how long the trade union leader has been a member of this Committee; whether this Committee is in any way responsible for the police searches which are going on in many parts of the country in homes of Labour and trade union officials, and does he approve of the prohibition—

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member must confine his Supplementary Questions to the subject of the Question on the Paper and the answer. I cannot allow all these Questions to be asked.

Mr. Strauss

May I ask this Question, which, I submit, arises directly out of the answer given by the Prime Minister, who went into some detail? May I ask him whether he approves of the prohibition which has gone out that no newspaper may mention this Committee without special permission?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir, and I am rather surprised that the hon. Gentleman persists in asking this Question. The Government have stated on their own responsibility that they do not think that it is in the public interest that this should be discussed.

Mr. Strauss

Is the Prime Minister aware that there is very considerable public uneasiness about this matter?