HC Deb 02 August 1951 vol 491 cc1596-7
11. Mr. J. Enoch Powell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements he made in South Shields on 14–15th July for communicating to the Press the decision to remit part of the fine imposed on Mrs. M. Johnson.

Mr. Ede

That the local representative of the Press Association should be informed on 16th July of the decision.

Mr. Powell

Can the Home Secretary say through what channel the information was to have been given to the representative of the Press Association?

Mr. Ede

Yes, Sir. That was made quite clear in the answers which were given last week.

Mr. Powell

I have the answers which were given last week in front of me. The right hon. Gentleman only said: I made arrangements that a proper communication should be made to [the Press]."— [OFFICIAL REPORT, 26th July, 1951; Vol. 490, c. 2308.] Will the right hon. Gentleman say what channel he utilised for the purpose?

Mr. Ede

The hon. Member himself, in a supplementary question, indicated that he knew the channel.

Mr. Powell

Why does the right hon. Gentleman not give a plain answer to a plain question?

Mr. Ede

Because the hon. Gentleman supplied the answer himself last week.

Mr. Jennings

Will the Home Secretary not agree that it is rather significant that this information came out at the time when he was in his own constituency having discussions with his agent?

Mr. Ede

No. It came out the day after I had been in the constituency. That was made quite clear to the House last week. I used my local secretary as the appropriate person to make a communication on my behalf to the Press.