HC Deb 23 February 1949 vol 461 cc1852-3
45. Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the present world situation and the increasing cost of the Fighting Services, he will reconsider his previous decision not to hold a Secret Session of Parliament.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

I see no sufficient reason in present circumstances to vary the decision announced in my answer to the hon. and gallant Member's Question on 1st December, 1948.

Air-Commodore Harvey

In view of the fact that very large sums of money are being spent on the fighting Services, will the right hon. Gentleman see that this House is given more information for the Estimates Debates than we had last year?

The Prime Minister

I have looked into this matter, and the House will be given the fullest information that is possible consonant with the security of the country.

Brigadier Medlicott

Is it not clear from the existence of Questions such as No. 14 on the Order Paper today that a Secret Session of this House would have a very limited value from a security point of view?

Major Lloyd

Is the Prime Minister also aware that a great many people, who disagree with him on everything else, entirely agree with his decision in this matter inasmuch as certain Members of this House could not be trusted in a Secret Session?

Mr. Gallacher

On a point of Order. In view of that question and the implication made by the hon. and gallant Member for Eastern Renfrew (Major Lloyd), am I not entitled to draw attention to the fact that the only people who have been suspected or have been guilty of leakage during a Secret Session have been on the other side of the House, and that the leakages have been to the Press of the other side.

Mr. Speaker

That is not a point of Order.

Mr. Gallacher

Am I not entitled to draw attention to that fact?