HC Deb 07 May 1940 vol 360 cc1036-7
47. Mr. Hammersley

asked the Prime Minister when an opportunity for Debate in secret Session will be arranged?

The Prime Minister

I cannot say when secret Sessions will be held. The matter is one for consideration through the usual channels.

Mr. Hammersley

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, in January of this year, certain grave deficiencies affecting the fighting efficiency of the Services were brought to the notice of responsible Ministers but that, since that time, nothing effective has been done: and, as these are matters which cannot be discussed except in Secret Session, may I ask whether I am to understand from my right hon. Friend's reply that he desires them to continue for a further indefinite period of time?

The Prime Minister

My hon. Friend is not entitled to make any such suggestion. The purpose of a Secret Session, as generally understood, is to discuss in private things which cannot be discussed in public without the danger of giving to the enemy information which ought to be withheld from him. The occasions for such Secret Sessions are generally arranged through the usual channels, and if my hon. Friend has any particular points that he thinks should be discussed in Secret Session he knows where to make application.

Mr. Hammersley

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I have made such application and that it is impossible for a private Member to ventilate these matters except in Secret Session? If a refusal is given to obtain a Secret Session what other remedy is open to him?

The Prime Minister

It is not for one private Member to decide whether there shall be or shall not be a Secret Session. We have to try to obtain the general feeling of the House on the matter and that can be done through the usual channels.

Sir Joseph Nall

Are not supporters of the Government in considerable difficulty owing to disinclination to hold a Secret Session, although there are matters affecting the Services which we should all like to discuss but cannot discuss in public?

The Prime Minister

I hope that my hon. Friend will make representations through the usual channels.