§ 25. Mr. Keelingasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a letter written on his behalf to the hon. Member for Twickenham about the complaint of a soldier, stated that the commander-in-chief was of the opinion that the officer commanding the unit adopted an unfortunate attitude; whether he is aware that the letter was not marked confidential and enclosed a carbon copy for despatch to the soldier; and whether, in the interests of good order and military discipline, he will give directions for such information to be marked "Confidential" in future.
§ Mr. LawsonWhile the general practice is for letters to be marked "Confidential" when certain types of information are given, I must emphasise that letters addressed to hon. Members are intended for them. A carbon copy is enclosed for the convenience of hon. Members but I must continue to rely on their judgment in these matters.
§ Mr. KeelingDoes not the Minister know that, when information is sent to an hon. Member which is not to be passed on, the custom of most Government Departments is to mark it "Confidential"?
§ Mr. LawsonThere are certain cases in which I do that, as hon. Members know. I am not so sure whether it has been overlooked in this matter or not, but I still depend on hon. Members to use their own judgment.