HC Deb 04 February 1953 vol 510 cc1834-5
28. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in what capacity and between which dates Frank James White, alias Hargreaves, was employed by Her Majesty's Consul at Tangier.

Mr. Nutting

At no time was Frank James White, alias Hargreaves, employed by Her Majesty's Consulate-General at Tangier.

Mr. Davies

Could the Joint Under-Secretary also deny the statement made by Hargreaves that the British Consul had said that the charges against him had been dropped and that he would be issued with a valid passport as a consequence?

Mr. Nutting

I know of no such statement—

Mr. S. Silverman

On a point of order. I do not know if I have the facts right, but is not the case to which this Question refers now before the courts, and in that case would the Question and answer be in order?

Mr. Speaker

I am obliged to the hon. Member. If that is so I must say that I was entirely ignorant of it. If a matter is before the courts we should not question it here.

Mr. Nutting

Perhaps I can help the House here. It is true that there is a case before the courts which is due to be heard on 25th February. I was about to add that I would prefer to say nothing more because of the fact that it is sub judice.