HC Deb 01 December 1948 vol 458 c1994
38. Mr. Benn Levy

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to explain how the contents of communications within his Department became accessible to the hon. Member for Kingston-upon-Thames (Mr. Boyd-Carpenter); and what action he proposes to take.

Mr. Creech Jones

I indicated on 24th November that copies of the communication to which the hon. Member refers were issued to the news agencies, and to the colonial specialist papers interested in West Africa. The words complained of were struck through in ink. This was a mistaken way to handle a telegram but was done to save re-typing. I can only presume that one of the recipients removed the ink or otherwise deciphered the words erased.

Mr. Levy

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his co-operation in helping me to exculpate the hon. Member for Kingston-upon-Thames from all suspicion of naughtiness will be warmly appreciated throughout the length and breadth of Kingston?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if I sought exculpation, I should hope for a rather more competent and better qualified advocate than his hon. Friend?