HC Deb 24 January 1949 vol 460 c563
56. Major Guy Lloyd

asked the Attorney-General whether the police report on alleged irregularities over building licences following upon the recent visit of police officers to Bishop Auckland has yet been brought to his notice.

The Attorney-General (Sir Hartley Shawcross)

Yes, Sir. Police inquiries were instituted at the request of the Tribunal of Judicial Inquiry, and the police report was brought to my notice in this connection. There was nothing in the police report which called for any action on my part.

Major Lloyd

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his answer will give considerable satisfaction to many who were concerned with these rumours?

Mr. Blackburn

May I ask the Attorney-General whether he is aware that the publication entitled "The Review of World Affairs"—on the editorial board of which, I think, are two hon. Members opposite—has chosen to make accusations against the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on this subject, and what redress people have against such whispering campaigns made against them based on malicious gossip?

The Attorney-General

I am afraid that the publication to which my hon. Friend refers has not been brought to my notice, and, in those circumstances, I would prefer not to make arty comment upon it beyond stating, as I have done, that the police inquiries which the tribunal directed satisfied me, as, apparently, they satisfied the tribunal, that there was no occasion whatever for any action.

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