§ Q23. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Prime Minister why the contents of the still secret National Plan, Mark II, were disclosed to the Press before the Plan had been submitted to the House of Commons.
§ The Prime MinisterDespite the inaccurate description of the document in the hon. Gentleman's Question, I am aware that his reference is to articles in the Press relating to the planning document which, as I have told the House, was discussed by the National Economic Development Council at its meetings on 15th December, 14th January and 5th February. I have no reason at all to assume, as the hon. Gentleman has done, that any information was improperly allowed to seep out from any Government Department, but the usual inquiries are being made.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that on a number of occasions official information is given to the Press by Ministers and officials of Government plans before these are laid before the House of Commons: and whether he will cause an investigation to be made to ascertain how and why Mr. John Grant, a journalist, was given details of the Government's Plan 86W Number Two two weeks before the Government's promised official announcement to the House of Commons.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Worcestershire, South (Sir G. Nabarro) earlier today.