HC Deb 22 May 1950 vol 475 cc1621-2
2. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Attorney-General when he expects to be able to make a statement as to the result of the police inquiries into the alleged corrupt practices of persons who were engaged in the Ministry of Supply.

The Attorney-General

The inquiries to which the hon. Member refers related in their origin to the cases of a number of private individuals whose business activities seemed difficult to reconcile with the requirements of the criminal law. In the course of these inquiries allegations were made against several ex-officials of the Ministry of Supply. Interim reports from the police have shown that the allegations against some of the ex-officials concerned are without substance, but other lines of investigation have opened up and I have directed that these, which do not necessarily involve Government officials at all, must be thoroughly pursued. I am unable to say when, if at all, any statement can be made on the matter.

Sir W. Smithers

In view of the fact that State control puts a premium on corrupt practices——

Mr. Speaker

That has nothing to do with the Question. It is quite out of order.

Sir W. Smithers

When will the Attorney-General realise that a Government which passes unreasonable laws has no moral claim on the obedience of its citizens?

Mr. Mikardo

Would it not be better if hon. Members in this House and the Press contained their impatience until we see the findings of the inquiry?

The Attorney-General

I must say that it seemed a little unfair to the Department concerned and inimical to public justice that the matter should have been the subject of comment in the newspapers in the way that it has, and I emphasise again that the inquiries which are taking place are not primarily into allegations against Government officials or ex-Government officials.