HC Deb 15 March 1965 vol 708 cc877-8
43. Mr. Atkins

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works why his Department disclosed to the Press details of the proposed future form of control of the Palace of Westminster before they were announced in the House.

Mr. C. Pannell

My Department has made no such disclosures.

Mr. Atkins

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that remark will be received with great satisfaction? Does it not further strengthen the argument for his making up his mind as quickly as possible and so putting an end to all speculation in the Press?

Mr. Pannell

The assumption in the Question would be considered mendacious, if that phrase is in order, but we were not responsible for putting this out. I must say that the exact conditions of the matters to which the hon. Member refers in the Question are now common knowledge to the two Front Benches. A great many people know about them and the Prime Minister has indicated that in his time, when he is ready for it, and this has been cleared everywhere, he will make a statement.

Mr. Paget

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is, or appears to have been, a very detailed leak indeed? If this publication be true, could he investigate? If it be a lie, could he report it to the Press Council?

Mr. Pannell

I cannot be responsible for the wild guesses that appear in the Press from time to time. There is a difficulty for anyone placed in the position that I am in, knowing all that has taken place. The only thing I always fear is that the truth will appear. [Laughter.] It does not bother me in the slightest if inaccurate reports appear. Nobody can say that they belong to me.

Dame Irene Ward

I would be right in assuming, would I not, that the right hon. Gentleman has associated himself with the Prime Minister's pledge or undertaking that this is a matter for Parliament and that Parliament will debate it before any final decisions are arrived at? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that pledge was repeated to my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for The Wirral (Mr. Selwyn Lloyd) only last Thursday?

Mr. Pannell

The hon. Lady's right hon. and learned Friend knows all that is going on here and is very much in our confidence as being the prime usual channel on her side of the House. The hon. Lady must assume that I am as sensitive to the rights of the Legislature as anybody here.