§ Q7. Mr. M. Footasked the Prime Minister whether the inquiry announced by him on 21st June, 1963, to be undertaken by Lord Denning, Master of the Rolls, will be required to investigate any matters within the responsibility of the Admiralty.
§ The Prime MinisterI am not myself aware of any matters within the responsibility of the Admiralty which fall within Lord Denning's terms of reference. If the hon. Member has any information of this character, no doubt he will send it to Lord Denning in accordance with his public request.
§ Mr. FootAm I not right in understanding that matters concerned with the Admiralty should fall within the ambit of this investigation because Ivanov was a naval attaché of some sort? Surely that would arise? Did the Prime Minister know, when he selected Lord Denning for this appointment, that Lord Denning's brother was the Director of Naval Intelligence at the Admiralty?
§ The Prime MinisterI think the whole House would feel that there is no possible connection with what Lord Denning would do in carrying out his duties.
§ Q8. Mrs. Castleasked the Prime Minister whether persons appearing before Lord Denning in the course of his forthcoming inquiry will be permitted representation by counsel or solicitors in the same manner as persons appearing before a tribunal of inquiry.
§ The Prime MinisterLord Denning has asked those who have information for his report to communicate with him and has stated that any information he receives will be treated by him with the strictest confidence and used by him only for the purposes of his inquiry and report.
In these circumstances he thinks that in the ordinary way a witness before him will not need to be legally represented; but if any person should feel that his interests need protection Lord Denning is very ready to consider a request that he should be accompanied by his legal adviser.
§ Mrs. CastleIs it not a fact that the Devlin Commission into the so-called massacre plot in Nyasaland was an inquiry held in secret also, but that Dr. Banda and his colleagues were, without question, allowed legal representation? Should not the same consideration be extended to citizens of this country in this situation? If there are cases in which Lord Denning does allow counsel to appear, will arrangements be made for legal aid to be extended to the people who wish to avail themselves of this opportunity?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that the major question is covered in the second part of my reply. I feel sure that the House can rely on Lord Denning to exercise his discretion wisely in this matter.
§ Mrs. CastleIf it is conceded that there is a right here for legal representation, will the Prime Minister now answer my question about legal aid? Will he see that legal aid is given to those who want to take advantage of this opportunity on at least as generous a scale as we have been promised will operate in the case of the Vassall Tribunal?
§ The Prime MinisterI will consider that point. It is not in the Question, but I will consider it.