SECRET SESSION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20120, 14 December 1939, Page 6

SECRET SESSION

ELABORATE PLANS HOUSE OF COMMONS DEBATE ON SUPPLY WARTIME PROBLEMS GALLERIES CLEARED (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 1.50 p.m. RUGBY, Dec. 14. Official circles in London point out that to-day’s secret session of the House of Commons is an extension rather than a limitation of the principle of freedom of discussion which the constitution assures even in wartime. This, it is stressed, is a source of strength and makes for greater efficiency in administration than stifling criticism. The present session was requested by the Opposition and the Government acceded, appreciating the sense of responsibility which prompted members to seek an opportunity to speak with freedom and without providing the enemy with propaganda material. Valuable Information In wartime no frank discussion on problems of supply and service departments relating to the conduct of the war can take place without affording valuable information to the enemy. The public and press fully understand that reasons of State which prompted the decision include the wish to safeguard free discussion in wartime. Secret sessions have several precedents in British constitutional practice. For the first time since the last, war members to-day were forbidden to take friends into the lobbies, this being a preliminary precaution to the secret session. Elaborate precautions were taken to ensure secrecy. The House met in an atmosphere of excitement. The attendance was unusually large. Many members were in uniform Precisely at 4 p.m. the Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, drew the attention of the Speaker to the fact that strangers were present. Attendants cleared the packed galleries. The Duke of Kent was among the Peers who clone remained. All approaches were barred as the secret session began.