HC Deb 10 April 1941 vol 370 cc1687-8
46 and 47. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Prime Minister (1) the terms of reference under which the Chancery Judge will examine evidence to decide if there are prima facie cases arising from the allegations of waste, extravagance and dishonesty in the carrying out of Government contracts;

(2) whether he will state, in two categories, what documents have been submitted to the Chancery Judge appointed to decide on prima facie cases for further inquiry, namely, evidence before the Select Committee and evidence not before the Select Committee; and who is the person who has the responsibility of deciding what evidence shall be so submitted?

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Attlee)

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on 2nd April last.

Sir W. Smithers

Is not the House allowed to know the terms of reference, in view of the fact that the Financial Secretary to the War Office said yesterday that certain things would not come within those terms of reference? In view of the 11 reports of the Select Committee and of the statements made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget speech, why restrict the scope of the inquiry? Could we have an answer?

Mr. Attlee

I have nothing to add to my reply.

Mr. Garro Jones

Would it not really be right of my right hon. Friend to tell the House who has the responsibility of deciding what evidence is to be laid before the learned Judge? Is it to be the same people who have repeatedly repudiated the allegations that have been made?

Mr. Attlee

If my hon. Friend will study the reply to which I have referred, he will see the answer.

Sir W. Smithers

Is it not a fact that we never heard anything until yesterday about the terms of reference of the Judge who has been appointed?

Sir I. Albery

Is it not right that when a Member of this House asks whether a Paper is to be laid, he should be told whether it is to be laid, and if not, why not?

Mr. Attlee

The reply that was given previously to the hon. Member stated what was the reference to the Judge and also that it was for him to say what evidence he required.

Sir W. Smithers

May I ask that these terms of reference be placed in the Library, or circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

Mr. Attlee

The answer has already been circulated.