HC Deb 16 December 1965 vol 722 cc1456-7
Q4. Mr. G. Campbell

asked the Prime Minister what instructions are given to Ministers about publishing letters sent by them to hon. Members, without first seeking the assent of the hon. Member concerned.

Mr. George Brown

I have been asked to reply.

No special instructions are necessary, Sir.

Mr. Campbell

Is not prior consultation advisable in cases where a Minister makes an allegation out of the blue that an hon. Member has made an untrue statement in the House? While I have not objected in my own case, consultation would have given the Minister of Transport a chance to check the facts, and thus the accusation which he has been unable to substantiate.

Mr. Brown

If the hon. Gentleman has a quarrel with the Minister of Transport, I suggest that he puts a Question to him.

Mr. Campbell

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on Wednesday when I have an Adjournment debate on the subject in question.