§ 58. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give an assurance that the Commission to investigate certain aspects of the constitution will take evidence in public sessions.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. James Callaghan)This would be a matter for the Commission. It would, however, be my hope and expectation that it would take the main evidence in public, and my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and I intend to raise the question when the chairman is appointed.
§ Mr. HamiltonIs my right hon. Friend aware that that Answer will give a good deal of satisfaction, and that it is vitally important that as much evidence as possible should be taken in public? Will he give an undertaking that the Commission will move around the United Kingdom? I presume that it will.
§ Mr. CallaghanAs regards the last part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, I certainly expect that to happen, and I would represent that it should to the chairman, in whose hands the conduct of the Commission is. I want as much evidence as possible taken in public, and as many people as possible in all parts of the United Kingdom to be able to see the Commission and offer evidence if they wish.