§ 47. Mr. Dribergasked the Prime Minister if, for the convenience of hon. Members and the benefit of historians, he will obtain and cause to be published as a White Paper or otherwise, the full text of speeches delivered in secret session of this House during the late war by the right hon. Member for Woodford (Mr. Churchill) and other hon. Members speeches, hitherto secret, of which certifiably authentic records exist.
§ The Prime MinisterNo official record was kept, either by the House or by His Majesty's Government, of speeches made by right hon. or hon. Members in the course of Parliamentary proceedings in. secret session.
§ Mr. DribergCan the Prime Minister explain then how it is that some of these speeches have now been published in an American magazine? Can he say a word on the issue of copyright involved? Does copyright in a speech reside entirely in the hon. Member who makes it, or has Parliament as such no prerogative?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is a matter entirely for an hon. Member or a right hon. Member to publish his own speeches or not, as he pleases. The exact question of the copyright of a speech delivered in this House is rather complicated and I would prefer to see the Question on the Paper and to take legal advice before answering it.