§ 2. Mr. Snaddenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has given agricultural executive committees in Scotland any instructions regarding the disclosure by their members and officers of information as to their proceedings, decisions and recommendations?
Mr. JohnstonIt has been made clear to these committees that they are Government representatives, and that their proceedings are confidential. I have not so far found it necessary to issue detailed instructions as to how this general principle of Government agency should be applied in particular instances. There may, indeed, be cases in which some publicity is not only unobjectionable but even desirable. The implications of membership of these Committees are generally understood and are for the most part loyally observed.
§ Mr. SnaddenDoes the light hon. Gentleman consider it inappropriate that a Member of this House should seek or obtain information from a committee as to their proceedings?
Mr. JohnstonIt will obviously depend upon circumstances. These committees have Government powers delegated to them, and it would be highly inappropriate that they should disclose matters relating to the Department.