§ 56. Commander Locker-Lampson (for Mr. Liddall)asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a person named William Joyce, a British subject, interned in enemy territory and employed by the German broadcasting authorities, is in receipt of £10 per month from the British Government; and whether he will take steps to stop such payments to Joyce and like traitors forthwith?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Richard Law)No, Sir. According to my information, no payments have been made from public funds to any British subject in Germany bearing this name.
§ Mr. LawsonOn a point of Order. May I draw your attention, Mr. Speaker, to the fact that this Question has received considerable notice in the Press and has given rise to some comment? When Questions of this importance are put down, could you not do anything to require the attendance of the Member responsible in order that the Question may be properly dealt with?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is not a duty which ought to be put upon me. The old rule must apply that the Member must be responsible for the accuracy of facts stated in a Question.
§ Mr. Garro JonesIn a case where considerable harm has been done, is it not open to the Member who has put down the Question to make a personal statement in regard to the sources of his information?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is not a question which I can decide.