PARLIAMENTARY DISCLOSURES

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25365, 12 December 1947, Page 7

PARLIAMENTARY DISCLOSURES

COMMONS ENABLED TO TAKE ACTION ATTEMPTS TO BRIBE MEMBERS (Rec. 8 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 11. The House of Commons adopted by 287 votes to 123 a Government motion to enable the House to take any action it thinks fit against any person offering payment to members for the disclosure of confidential Parliamentary matters. Mr Herbert Morrison, Lord President of the Council, introduced the motion. He recalled that it arose out of the cases of Mr G. Allighaii and Mr E. Walkden. Mr Allighan was expelled from the House x>n October 30 for gross contempt and dishonourable conduct; Mr Walkden was reprimanded for dishonourable conduct. Mr Morrison said that the motion differed from the original motion put before the House on October 30 In that no specific reference was now made to representatives of a newspaper or press agency, and also there was np reference to the penalty of exclusion from the House. It haa been said that the specific mention of a journalist in the original motion had constituted a serious indictment against the journalistic profession by singling newspaper men out. He had not thought the original words bore such an implication. There was nothing vindictive in the motion, said Mr Morrison. There was no need for the Government to go for newspapermen as such, “but the lobby must watch its step and must watch its members, and editors must watch their step or they will come in conflict with the House.” Mr J. P. W. Mallaliep (Labour) during the debate said he was horrified sometimes about the things said in the House about journalism, There would be an absolute outcry if these things were said about miners or doctors. He thought many members failed to appreciate the high standard of conduct of the vast majority of journalists. The House should not attempt to restrict the lobby correspondents freedom of access to members.