HC Deb 03 May 1955 vol 540 cc1502-3
36. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has now held a full inquiry into the conduct of the Deputy Assistant Chaplain General, Salisbury Plain District, in regard to the Reverend J. P. Stevenson, in accordance with paragraph 4 of the Report from the Committee of Privileges; and if he will made a statement.

Mr. Head

I have inquired fully into this case and I am satisfied that when the Deputy Assistant Chaplain General, Salisbury Plain District, was informed that one of his subordinates had communicated with a Member of Parliament on a matter of which he was not previously aware, it was quite in order that he should interview this officer. I am also satisfied that the Deputy Assistant Chaplain General tried only to persuade Mr. Stevenson to make factual corrections to the information contained in the letter.

As regards the right of soldiers to communicate with Members of Parliament, I can only repeat the assurance which I gave the hon. Member at Question time last Tuesday.

Mr. Driberg

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in the holding of this inquiry, any statements were taken from Mr. Stevenson as well as other chaplains and officers concerned?

Mr. Head

I have a great deal of information as a result of this inquiry and if there are any particular details which the hon. Gentleman wants perhaps he would let me know, but I am satisfied, as I have stated, that there was really no intention by the Deputy Assistant Chaplain General of interferring with the rights of Mr. Stevenson.

Mr. Driberg

With all respect, while that is satisfactory as far as it goes, does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that the dissolution of Parliament is very near, and may I take it he does not wish to leave any impression at all that Mr. Stevenson was wrong in this matter? If there was a genuine misunderstanding perhaps he would say so, but will he completely clear and exonerate Mr. Stevenson of any improper conduct?

Mr. Head

Yes, Sir, I would not for a moment deny that Mr. Stevenson was acting in accordance with what he believed to be his duty.