HC Deb 12 November 1958 vol 595 cc384-5
46. Mr. Wigg

asked the Minister of Defence the date on which he received the Report of the Committee presided over by Sir James Grigg, the date on which he authorised the principal recommendation to be revealed to selected newspapers, and the reason for the long delay in making the remainder of the Report available to the whole of the Press and to Members of the House of Commons.

Mr. Sandys

The Committee sent to me its Report on July 31st, and I presented it to Parliament on November 4th. I did not authorise any prior disclosure to the Press.

Mr. Wigg

In view of the detailed reports that appeared in the Press, has the Minister made inquiries in his own Department, or amongst his colleagues, to find out how this unauthorised leak occurred?

Mr. Sandys

I must agree that it certainly looks as though there had been some loose talk somewhere, supplemented, no doubt, by some intelligent guesswork by the Press—not altogether accurate in all respects.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Kenneth Robinson.

Mr. Wigg

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, and the clear indication that he has not made inquiries—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."]—and in view of the clear indication—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."].

Mr. Speaker

Order. If the hon. Member is giving notice of his intention to raise the matter on the Adjournment, I will take it in that form.

Mr. Wigg

Further to that point of order. Is it not a clear abrogation of the rights of a back bencher if what he wants to say is shouted down by the howling nincompoops on the other side of the House? In such circumstances, am I not entitled to your protection, Mr. Speaker?

Mr. Speaker

I have often said in this House that it is better for Members who wish to give notice of their intention to pursue a matter further to stick to the traditional form. I find that these variations of it often lead to more points of order and waste of time than they are worth.

Mr. Wigg

With respect, may I finish what I wanted to say? I beg to give notice that in view of the unsatisfactory reply, and the clear indication—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."]

Mr. Speaker

I accept the hon. Member's notice. Mr. Kenneth Robinson.