HC Deb 21 April 1947 vol 436 cc595-6
33. Mr. Driberg

asked the Minister of Supply if he will issue a general permit which will enable Members of Parliament to visit dumps controlled by his Department at any time without previous notice.

Mr. Wilmot

No, Sir; I am afraid that would not be practicable, but if hon. Members will let me know when they wish to visit a particular depot I shall be glad to make arrangements.

Mr. Driberg

Obviously my right hon. Friend would do so and I thank him for it, but would he say why an hon. Member should not just drop in and look round?

Mr. Wilmot

Many of these dumps are small and in remote places with only an industrial staff and no means of identifying hon. Members, and I cannot see that any good purpose would be served.

Mr. E. P. Smith

Why should the right hon. Gentleman wish to drop an iron curtain over his dumps?

Mr. Wilmot

On the contrary, I have offered to let it up at any moment.

Mr. Piratin

Would the Minister provide equal facilities for visiting "joints" as well as dumps?

Mr. Hector Hughes

Does not the giving of notice negative the purpose for which the visit is made?

Hon. Members

What is the purpose?