§ 46. Mrs. Castleasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the damage to Great Britain's national reputation by the allegations, of which notice has officially been taken, to the effect that British Ministers were informed on 10th October, 1956, of the intention of Israel to attack Egypt with the assistance of France, he will publish a White Paper setting out the facts.
§ 57. Mr. Zilliacusasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the harm caused to the national reputation by the recent Press allegations, of which official notice has been taken, about the military and political conduct of the attack on Suez, including inefficiency, miscalculation, collusion, and misleading the House and the country, he will appoint a Select Committee to institute an inquiry into these allegations and related issues.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Mrs. Castlen view of the further facts about Suez given by Mr. Randolph Churchill in today's Daily Express, which seem to show that his allegations have not been without substance, would the Prime Minister state clearly and unequivocally 1305 to the House that no member of the present Government was aware in advance of Israel's intention to attack Egypt with the connivance of France?
§ The Prime MinisterAll these matters have been rebutted in debate, and I have nothing to add to what was said by my precedessor both two years ago and recently.
§ Mrs. CastleRebut them now.
§ Mr. YoungerIs the Prime Minister aware that what has been said in debate have been simply ex parte statements by Ministers who were themselves concerned, and that what we want is evidence? Is he aware that nobody will ever be convinced by statements from that bench opposite unsupported by the evidence, and that that is why we want a White Paper?
§ The Prime MinisterIf hon. Members are not prepared to accept my statement, I cannot see the point of asking me to make one.
§ Mr. Gordon WalkerWill not the right hon. Gentleman give a clear answer to the question of my hon. Friend the Member for Blackburn (Mrs. Castle)? It is a simple question which could really be answered either "Yes" or "No"
§ The Prime MinisterThis matter was discussed in detail and my predecessor made the position perfectly clear two years ago, I think on 16th December. I have nothing to add to his statement.
§ Mr. ZilliacusWill the Prime Minister, in the light of the information now available, at least reconsider the remark he made in Washington on 11th June, when he said that the Suez campaign was sound, honourable and justified? Is that still his opinion.
§ The Prime MinisterYes. I said perfectly frankly what I believed to be the broad view of the British people—then and now.
§ Mr. JayWould it not save future discussion if the Prime Minister were to answer "Yes" or "No" to my hon. Friend's question?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, because this matter is perfectly clear. These accusations have been made and I do not accept them to be true.