HC Deb 20 February 1957 vol 565 cc423-4
34. Mr. Wigg

asked the Minister of Defence whether he will publish a White Paper giving the movements of British naval ships, Royal Air Force aircraft, and troops from the United Kingdom to Malta and Cyprus during the periods 16th–25th October, 1956, 26th–30th October, 1956, and the movement from Malta and Cyprus to Port Said from 30th October, 1956, onwards, and the movement of French troops and military aircraft to Cyprus prior to 16th October, 1956, from 16th–30th October, 1956, and the movement of French military aircraft from Cyprus to Israel, up to and including 15th October, 1956, from 16th–25th October, 1956, and from 26th October, 1956, onwards.

Mr. Sandys

No, Sir.

Mr. Wigg

The right hon. Gentleman will be aware that the reason why he says "No" is fully understood on this side of the House. Would he not, in order to clear the good name of this country, and if he will not publish a White Paper, publish the information in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

Mr. Sandys

I do not see the difference between publication in a White Paper and in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

In view of the fact that the information asked for by my hon. Friend would be of great importance in the preparation of the history of events in the Mediterranean between July and December last year and to enable the nation to form a judgment on those events, on what grounds of security or public interest does the Minister propose not to give this information?

Mr. Sandys

I am inclined to think that those events have not yet passed into the realm of history.

Mr. Wigg

On a point of order.

Mr. S. Silverman rose

—

Mr. Speaker

What was the hon. Gentleman's point of order? If there is no point of order I will call the next Question.

Mr. Wigg

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker—[Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker

Is there a point of order?

Mr. Wigg

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the right hon. Gentleman's reply—[Interruption.]

Hon. Members

That is not a point of order.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman is giving notice that he will raise the matter on the Adjournment, is he not?

Mr. Wigg

With respect, Mr. Speaker, may I be allowed to make by own submission to you? In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the—[Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker

Order. The House should listen to the hon. Member for Dudley (Mr. Wigg). He may have a point.

Mr. Wigg

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the right hon. Gentleman's reply, I beg to give notice that I shall not only raise this matter on the Adjournment but shall seek every opportunity on Supply to prevent the Government from getting Vote A on any of these Services until I get a more satisfactory reply.