TERSE REPORT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 December 1939, Page 7

TERSE REPORT

ON BRITISH SECRET SESSION ISSUED BY SPEAKER. DEBATE ON ORGANISATION OF WAR SUPPLIES. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. LONDON. December 14. The only report permitted of the secret session held by the House of Commons is the Speaker's statement, which was as follows: —“The adjournment of the House was moved by the Prime Minister. A debate occurred on the organisation of supplies for the prosecution of the war.” An official record of the debate was not kept, and even the daily Parliamentary report which is normally conveyed to his Majesty was withheld. The session lasted for 71 hours, which is the time-limit. Official circles in London point out that the secret session 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 without providing the enemy with propaganda material. In war time no frank discussion on problems of supply and the Service departments relating to the conduct of the war can take place without affording valuable information to the enemy. The public and the Press fully understand that the reasons of State which prompted the decision include the wish to safeguard free discussion in war time. Secret sessions have several precedents in British constitutional practice.