Former MP for Cambridgeshire
I do not propose to take part in the Debate to-night on the interesting topic which my hon. Friend the Member for the Scotland Division (Mr. O'Connor) has raised, but I do ask the indulgence of the House for a few minutes while I deal with some of the very grave personal charges that have been made in the last few days against me. Perhaps I may first deal with the charge described by my right...
I understand the right hon. Gentleman's point of view, but my point is this: How much easier it would have been for me if I could have quoted the letter. The whole trouble has arisen because I could not quote it. It was a private letter and the whole of my case is that that is the way the Government ought not to have transacted its business.
I am very sorry to interrupt my right hon. Friend. My point was this: I did not think it was a matter for Cabinet discussion. I did not say it was everybody else's duty, and not mine. What I did say was that it was the duty of anybody who thought it was a matter for Cabinet discussion.
Would my right hon. Friend forgive me for interrupting him once again, to my great regret? I gather from his statement that he understands that the Prime Minister did not know of my action in authorising publication until Thursday morning?
Has the right hon. Gentleman read Lord Curzon's letter?
I must, in my own defence, say that, reading that letter, I am astonished.
The Government of India have informed me that the papers on this subject were to leave India by the mail of 23rd February.
I am informed by the High Commissioner for India, with whom the matter rests, that certain firms including the Edinburgh Roperie and Sailcloth Company, Limited, of Bath Street, Leith, were recently invited to tender for the supply of sail canvas, required by the Government of India, and that as a result the contracts were duly let on the 1st February last.
