HC Deb 14 April 1960 vol 621 cc1471-2
43. Mr. Lipton

asked the Prime Minister if he will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the text of his address to the South African Parliament in Cape Town on 3rd February last.

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. I am gratified by the interest that has been shown in this speech. But the procedure suggested would be neither usual nor, I think, appropriate.

Mr. Lipton

Is the Prime Minister aware that it would be helpful to many people if an official reprint of this speech were readily available? Is he further aware that some of us would like to send a copy of the speech to the South African cricket team when they come here and to the secretary of the M.C.C., especially after yesterday's raids on the homes of the leaders of the non-racial South African sports associations?

The Prime Minister

I do not think that I should be acting in accordance with precedent if I were to publish, through the machinery of the House or the Stationery Office, the speech which I delivered, but if the hon. Member, who has been so gracious to me over this matter, would like it, I will see whether I can send him a copy of the speech.

Mr. Gaitskell

May I suggest that it would facilitate what my hon. Friend intends to do if the Prime Minister put a large number of copies in the Library.

The Prime Minister

I am anxious not to break tradition in this matter. As far as I know, no precedent of this kind exists.

Sir G. Nicholson

Is there not, by strange coincidence, a publishing house which bears the same name as that of the Prime Minister? Would he not consider asking it to print the speech, because I think there is a wide demand for copies of this magnificent speech?

The Prime Minister

I am not sure to whom the copyright belongs. I will make inquiries.

Mr. Gaitskell

It is surely very usual, when a speech of this kind is made, for copies to be placed in the Library. I think the Prime Minister will find that there are many precedents. Will he look into it?

The Prime Minister

If that is so, I will, but I cannot promise to bear the cost of printing the speech myself.

Mr. Lipton

How many copies of the speech may I have?