HC Deb 02 July 1941 vol 372 c1345
45. Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the recent broadcast in Czech by Dr. Benes as to the reasons for Hess's arrival in this country, he will now consider, in the public interest, making some authoritative statement which will finally dispose of the issue?

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Attlee)

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has nothing at present to add to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in the Debate on the Adjournment on 19th June.

Mr. Strauss

While it is, of course, impossible for anyone outside the Government to appreciate the reasons for continued secrecy, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that these half revelations by responsible people tend to add to public concern, and that it is desirable to put that concern at rest as soon as possible?

Mr. Granville

Was the Hess story not finally disposed of by the broadcast on Sunday night by Mr. Quentin Reynolds, and will the right hon. Gentleman have it translated into German and rebroadcast to Dr. Goebbels?

Mr. Lawson

Could my right hon. Friend have all these Questions put in the form of a White Paper, and published, as they mutually answer one another, and is he aware that the average citizen in Great Britain does not care a "cuss" about this gentleman?

Mr. Attlee

My hon. Friend is perfectly right.

Mr. Silverman

Could my right hon. Friend say—

Mr. Speaker

rose