HC Deb 26 November 1963 vol 685 cc70-1
Q2. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the Report of Lord Denning and its consequences; and what steps he intends to take as a result of it.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I have been asked to reply.

I think this is a matter that is better dealt with in debate than in Question and Answer.

Mr. Hughes

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that this is a document of the highest national and social importance affecting Britain's way of life in a variety of ways? Therefore, should not Parliament have an early opportunity of discussing it very fully, and will the right hon. Gentleman provide such an opportunity?

Mr. Butler

No, Sir. That is a matter for discussion between the two sides of the House, between Her Majesty's Opposition and the Government.

Q3. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Prime Ministerwhether it is intended to place in the Library of the House a full report of the evidence tendered to Lord Denning in the recent inquiry.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I have been asked to reply.

No, Sir. As stated in paragraph 7 of his Report, Lord Denning assured each witness that the information given him would be treated in strict confidence and would be used only for the purposes of his inquiry and Report.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the right hon. Member aware that I am well aware of what Lord Denning reported? Would he distinguish between evidence which casts aspersions on various people's characters, which I have no desire to be disclosed and never did wish to be disclosed, and the evidence about which I am concerned and which came before Lord Denning on the subject of security? May we be assured that our security is of the most efficient character?

Mr. Butler

I appreciate the distinction drawn by the right hon. Gentleman, but I must adhere to the ruling that this evidence will not be published.

Mr. S. Silverman

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain what evidence there was before Lord Denning which justified Lord Denning's statement that Ward procured women for his influential friends, when that was the very charge on which he was tried and acquitted at the Old Bailey?

Mr. Butler

I cannot go into further detail now. I am restricted to my Answer.