§ 3.8 p.m.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper. In doing so may I correct the phrase "Commission of Accessibility" which is printed on the Order Paper to "Commission of Acceptability"—no doubt a Freudian error on my behalf.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether representatives of the Press will be permitted to accompany the Commission of Accessibility in their investigation in Southern Rhodesia.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIAN)My Lords, I 887 accept the noble Lord's correction, one which I had already made in my own mind.
The Government attach great importance to the Test of Acceptability being completely objective and thorough and being seen to be so. The Government naturally hope that wide access can be given to the Press during the Test of Acceptability. The question of how this can best be arranged is one which Lord Pearce and his colleagues have under consideration at the moment.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, while thanking the Minister for that Answer and for his assurance, may I ask him whether it is not of great importance to the African people in Southern Rhodesia, as well as to public opinion, that it appears that this Commission is seeking the opinion of all of the people? Furthermore, can Her Majesty's Government suggest to Lord Pearce—who perhaps may read these words—that the utmost efforts should he made to secure full Press co-operation in the efforts that he is making?
§ THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIANMy Lords, I entirely accept what the noble Lord has said. I think it was implicit in my original Answer.
§ LORD MOLSONMy Lords, will the Government bear in mind the very great importance of ensuring that the evidence given by Africans is confidential and, if necessary, secret? Will they also bear in mind the undesirability of Press reporters' appearing to constitute themselves judges of public opinion in competition with the Commissioners who have been chosen for that purpose?
§ THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIANMy Lords, my noble friend has touched upon a very important point—one which I am quite certain will not be lost upon the noble and learned Lord, Lord Pearce, and his colleagues when they are considering how best to make arrangements with regard to the Press.
§ LORD LEATHERLANDMy Lords, as an old newspaperman, may I ask, while bearing in mind very much the question which preceded mine, whether the reports which these Pressmen send from that area will be subject to censorship?
§ THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIANMy Lords, I cannot answer that question without notice, but I should hope not.