§ Mr. W. BROWNasked the Home Secretary whether he will authorise all present and past officials, who may be required or invited to give evidence before the Select Committee on Capital Punishment, to speak freely to the Committee concerning all relevant matters and considerations within their knowledge and experience; and whether he will make it clear that the Department will not construe the Official Secrete Act in such a way as to prevent this?
§ Mr. CLYNESYes, Sir. It is my desire that all past and present officials of my Department who may be summoned to give evidence before the Select Committee should attend as free agents to reply frankly according to their individual knowledge and judgment to the questions put to them.