§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will publish the terms of reference to and the Report of Sir Malcolm Robertson on the proposed reforms in the Diplomatic and Consular Services.]
§ LORD SNELLMy Lords, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs stated in another place that he was reluctant to publish the Report since it dealt with certain specific matters which he had defined. He further stated that when the time came to put the proposals in detail he would give a full description. In further explanation I should say that the Report contains general recommendations submitted to the Secretary of State for his private personal consideration and not detailed proposals which could be immediately adopted. It is, therefore, necessary to work out the application of the principles advocated by Sir Malcolm Robertson. As soon as this work is completed and detailed practical proposals have been elaborated, Parliament and the public will be duly informed.
THE EARL OF PERTHMy Lords, arising out of that reply, may I ask 919 whether the full statement which is promised will give the reasons for the recommendations contained in the Report?
§ LORD SNELLMy Lords, if it is a full statement it probably will include that. I do not know what the statement will contain, however, and I am afraid, therefore, that I cannot answer the noble Lord's supplementary question.