32. Miss Wardasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence why letters opposing the Stabilisation Order, 1935, in respect of officers' retired pay were destroyed while letters supporting the Order have been retained.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence (Mr. Nigel Birch):The implication in my hon. Friend's Question is unfounded.
Miss WardIf I produce evidence showing that there was opposition to the Stabilisation Order, will my hon. Friend re-examine the whole position in that light. Is my hon. Friend aware that I was not casting imputations on his character but on that of previous people?
§ Mr. BirchI am very grateful for my hon. Friend's assurance. Any representations which she makes to me on this matter will certainly be considered.
§ Mr. ShinwellAre we to understand by the reference to "previous people" that hon. and right hon. Gentlemen on this side of the House are implicated, and if so, can we have the evidence?
§ Mr. BirchI recommend the right hon. Gentleman to clear that up by private correspondence with the hon. Lady.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this is the very first I have heard of it?
Miss WardWill my hon. Friend convey to the right hon. Gentleman that it is very queer if this is the first he has heard of it, because it was very important that he should have heard of it a long time ago?
§ Mr. BirchThe point at issue relates to what I said in the debate on the question of retired officers' pensions, that my examination of the files had shown that the weight of pressure was in favour of the Stabilisation Order. 1935.