HC Deb 28 May 1941 vol 371 cc1850-1
45. Mr. Stokes

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give particulars of the evidence examined by Mr. Justice Simonds before arriving at the conclusion that no one had been victimised?

46. Mr. Moelwyn Hughes

asked the Prime Minister whether any evidence, other than the departmental files, was submitted to, or requested by, Mr. Justice Simonds before making his report upon charges in connection with the construction of Militia camps; and whether he is satisfied that the report was sufficiently directed to the subject matter of the Select Committee's Fifth Report in this connection?

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Attlee)

As regards Question No. 45 and the first part of Question No. 46, I would refer my hon. Friends to the statement in the Judge's Report. As regards the second part of Question No. 46, the answer is in the affirmative.

Mr. Stokes

Is the Lord Privy Seal aware that Major Reid-Kellett did not appear to give evidence before the Committee on National Expenditure, and so far as is known no evidence regarding his case was heard, and can he assure us that some steps will be taken in this matter? How can a Judge decide that there was no victimisation if he did not examine the evidence?

Mr. Attlee

If the hon. Member will read the report of the Judge, he will see that in his view he had the full information that he required.

Mr. Stokes

Will the right hon. Gentleman state what information was sent to the Judge?

Mr. Speaker rose—

Mr. Stokes

In view of the most unsatisfactory nature of the reply and of the whole position, I propose to raise the matter on the Adjournment,