HC Deb 23 June 1966 vol 730 c906
Q3. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Prime Minister what progress has been made in the talks with leaders of Her Majesty's Opposition concerning the establishment of new investigating committees of the House; and whether he will publish details of the proposals put forward by Her Majesty's Government.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)

I would ask my hon. Friend to await the statement which will be made when the present consultations have been concluded.

Mr. Hamilton

Can my right hon. Friend give an idea when these discussions will be concluded? Does not he think it proper to let the House know what has been discussed so that we can pass comments before we are presented with a fait accompli? Alternatively, will he assure us that, when proposals are presented, they will be debated on a free vote?

The Prime Minister

There is no question of presenting a fait accompli. It will be the duty of both sides to seek the general opinion of hon. Members. The position now is that, following our meeting last week, it was agreed that we would put some of the things we discussed on paper and we hope to be able to hand a note to the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition in the next day or so.