HC Deb 19 May 1947 vol 437 cc2002-3
46. Commander Noble

asked the Prime Minister what rules govern public criticism by members of the Government of individual officers in His Majesty s Forces.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

There are, of course, no such rules.

Commander Noble

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that such attacks as were recently made by a Government Whip against the Naval Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth—

Mr. Speaker

Matters of opinion are not subject to Questions in this House.

Commander Noble

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that an attack was recently made by a Government Whip against the Naval Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth, and is he not of the opinion that such attacks are much to be deprecated?

The Prime Minister

It a Member of Parliament, or a Minister, chooses to. comment on a speech made in his constituency there arises the question whether that comment is justified or not.

Mr. George Ward

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that to attack a serving officer who cannot answer back is, to say the least, extraordinary?

Major Bruce

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the officer concerned has never seemed to be inhibited as to his public observations, and that my hon. Friend the Member for Central Portsmouth (Mr. Snow) has, in fact, shown considerable forbearance?

Mr. Eden

Would not the Prime Minister agree that there is a difference between statements made by Ministers, and statements made by ordinary Members of Parliament?

The Prime Minister

I agree that there is, but one must be careful about not restraining Members of Parliament from speaking in their own constituencies.

Commander Noble

The right hon. Gentleman has said that the hon. Member's speech was made in his constituency. I understand that it was not.