HC Deb 11 February 1954 vol 523 cc1361-3
45. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Prime Minister what is the traditional procedure relating to the disclosure to Parliament of Departmental documents affecting policy decisions by Ministers or ex-Ministers.

The Prime Minister (Sir Winston Churchill)

So far as I am aware, no procedure has been laid down which fetters the discretion of Ministers as to the exceptional occasions on which it may be necessary to bring to the notice of the House Departmental or other documents. I certainly think that every effort should be made to inform the Member concerned that a certain document is to be brought forward.

Mr. Bellenger

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean, therefore, that telegrams of the nature recently disclosed to the House by the Secretary of State for War, which must be marked "Top Secret" or something in that category, should be disclosed and used during a debate for purely political or debating purposes?

The Prime Minister

We have discussed that matter in relation to the actual occurrence. As I said, we were accused of what is a very grave offence—the shameful betrayal of the vital interests of the British soldier. In those circumstances, it certainly was interesting to see that in the past this matter had been discussed on very even conditions without any of these formidable accusations being associated with it in any way. But, as I have said, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War tells me that he wished he had had the time and the opportunity to draw the attention of the right hon. Member for Dundee, West (Mr. Strachey) to it. Certainly, it would have been advantageous because he might have persuaded his neighbour, the hon. Member for Aston (Mr. Wyatt) not to cast the Motion in such a deeply dyed depth of villainy.

Mr. Strachey

Will the Prime Minister draw to the attention of the Secretary of State for War the statement which he has just made—that the use of these documents should be notified to the Member concerned on the other side of the House?

Mr. H. Morrison

Having made some advance on the previous situation, which I appreciate, will the Prime Minister accept the view that if there are to be practices or traditions or rules about this matter there cannot be one rule for him in these combats and another rule for his opponents? It is therefore wise, I always think, for a Minister to recall that what he does may be used against him in the future. No doubt the Prime Minister is keeping that in mind.

The Prime Minister

I am certainly very content with the treatment which was meted out to me during seven or eight long years of opposition. I am not aware of having departed in any way from the general method of conducting our affairs which was maintained by the party opposite. I earnestly hope that nothing we shall do in our tenure will lead us to fall below the standard which was set.

Mr. Morrison

But does not the Prune Minister recognise that in respect of the earlier incident both tie and the Secretary of State for War have been a little bit naughty, judging by previous traditions of Governments?

The Prime Minister

No. I think the matter is very well grasped by the House and set in its proper poise and balance.