§ 1. Mr. Sheldonasked the Minister for the Civil Service what further consideration he has given to the setting up of an inquiry to make recommendations for getting rid of unnecessary secrecy.
§ The Minister without Portfolio (Mr. George Thomson)I regret that my right hon. Friend the Paymaster-General is unwell; I have been asked to reply.
I have nothing at present to add to what my right hon. Friend said in reply to my hon. Friend on 18th February—[Vol. 778, c. 203]—and to my right hon. Friend the Member for Easington (Mr. Shinwell) on 20th February—[Vol. 778, c. 763–4].
§ Mr. SheldonIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is some considerable concern in this matter, because in a number of cases secrecy is being used to prevent information from being relayed to this House which should be the property of this House? Will he ensure that this matter proceeds without further delay, because there are circumstances in which decisions can quickly be reached?
§ Mr. ThomsonI am aware of that concern and I would draw my hon. Friend's attention to what the Prime Minister said on 28th February, when 3 it was clear that he had a sense of urgency about this matter.