HC Deb 23 November 1949 vol 470 cc347-8
23. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will now institute an inquiry into the origin of the accusations made against British Administration officials in Italian Somaliland.

Mr. Mayhew

No, Sir.

Mr. Gallacher

Will the Minister kindly explain to me how it is that, while his right hon. Friend says he would like to make an inquiry into how my friends managed to start these reports going, when he receives an invitation to make an inquiry into how my friends started the reports the answer is, "No, Sir." What does it mean?

Mr. Mayhew

That the investigation is not worth making.

Mr. Gallacher

Last week the hon. Gentleman's right hon. Friend said he would like an opportunity to make such an inquiry. Now I give him the opportunity of instituting an inquiry. What is he afraid of?

An Hon. Member

Your friends.