HC Deb 14 December 1954 vol 535 c1581
55. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Prime Minister what categories of official telegrams sent by him during the war to military, air and naval commanders have been made available to the official historian of the war.

The Prime Minister

None of the telegrams available in our London records have been withheld from the official historians.

Mr. Hughes

Has not the right hon. Gentleman previously told the House that the first business of a historian is to check his quotations? How is this unfortunate historian to check his quotations if the right hon. Gentleman cannot find the telegram?

The Prime Minister

It is not only the business of historians to verify their quotations but, as I know to my cost, of quite ordinary people.

Mr. Shinwell

When the Prime Minister contemplates another visit to his constituency of Woodford, will he consult some hon. Members on this side of the House about what he should say?

The Prime Minister

Perhaps they could explain to me the reasons by which they were guided in choosing which documents Field Marshal Montgomery should be allowed to take away with him?