HC Deb 02 December 1971 vol 827 cc636-7
15. Mr. William Price

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many letters he has received asking for an inquiry into the Bentley-Craig case.

Mr. Maudling

Five, from two correspondents.

Mr. Price

In view of that answer, I assure the Home Secretary that he will get another letter tomorrow morning. Has he read the recent book by David Yallop on the Bentley-Craig case, which appears to raise a number of points of vital interest? If he has read it, will he comment on it? If he has not, is he prepared to consider the matter if I send him a copy of the book?

Mr. Maudling

As the Under-Secretary of State said recently, I have received a copy and it has been studied. Of the five letters, four were received before the book was published.

Mr. Moyle

How is it that the Home Secretary is able to spend time and money on assessing the number of letters he has received on a certain subject?

Mr. Maudling

Perhaps my letters fall into more natural categories.