HC Deb 24 July 1967 vol 751 cc10-1W
53. Mr. Mayhew

asked the Lord President of the Council at what time on 18th July copies of the Defence White Paper were made available to Soviet, Chinese and Egyptian Press correspondents; at what later time they were made available to hon. Members of this House; and why he refused to allow hon. Members access to the White Paper at the earlier time, even though they undertook to observe the embargo on publication.

Mr. Crossman

Final revise copies were made available to certain members of the Press, under embargo, at 10 a.m. on 18th July. Copies were available to Members at 2.30 p.m. the time of publication. No Egyptian correspondent had access to a final revise copy of this document. Certain Soviet and Chinese correspondents did.

This arrangement was in accordance with standing practice and I see no reason to alter it.