HC Deb 19 July 1956 vol 556 cc1383-4
45. Mr. Teeling

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give a list of the people who gave evidence in the closed sessions of the Malta Round Table Conference; and when it will be possible to have their evidence published.

The Prime Minister (Sir Anthony Eden)

The names of all witnesses who gave evidence are contained in the appendices to the Report. The Government do not intend to publish the evidence taken in closed sessions.

Mr. Teeling

Does my right hon. Friend realise that, in view of the present attitude of Mr. Mintoff on the economic questions, there are many people in this House who would very much like to know what the Navy and the Treasury advised? Is there no way in which we could have a confidential document for ourselves?

The Prime Minister

I understand that quite a lot of the evidence was given in secret session, partly to enable witnesses to speak their minds freely. That being so, I do not think that we could possibly make any alteration in the arrangements then made.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Will the Prime Minister bear in mind that those who gave evidence to the Round Table Conference, of which I was privileged to be a member, offered to give evidence on the understanding that it would be confidential?

The Prime Minister

I fully appreciate that.