HC Deb 25 February 1954 vol 524 cc564-5
50. Mr. E. Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions have taken place with the Governor of the Isle of Man to prevent a take-over bid disrupting the economy of the Isle of Man; and what advice he gave.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

The Lieutenant-Governor visited London on 18th January for discussions with a view to ensuring the continuance of an adequate shipping service to the Isle of Man. It would not be in the public interest to disclose the nature of these discussions.

Mr. Fletcher

Although the matter is now happily settled, does the Home Secretary realise that it created something like consternation in the Isle of Man at the time? Does not he think that the House is entitled to know what was the attitude of the Home Office at that time?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I do not think so. I would refer the hon. Member to the almost poetical item on the front page of today's "Manchester Guardian," which is headed," An Invader Repelled," and says that a point has been reached which really disposes of the matter. When that is the position, I think that we might leave the matter disposed of.