INDUSTRIAL SECRETS

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27213, 3 December 1953, Page 11

INDUSTRIAL SECRETS

Opposition To Bill For Disclosure

<Kec. 8 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 1. TTie Government tonight bowed to •evere criticism of its own supporters of a bill seeking to compel the disclosure of industrial secrets for defence purposes. It agreed to adjourn the debate in Mie House of Lords, presumably to redraft the offending passage. Labour peers also opposed the bill. One. Lord Wilmot, said it would strike at the very roots of private property in patents and processes.” Lord Rochdale (Conservative) said «iat under the bill a foreign visitor be compelled to give informa-

.A c ! ou dburst flooded many parts of the island yesterday, temporarily breaking an extended spell of line weather which is forecast. The storm broke while troops were rehearsing the arrival ceremonies. Local officials who were not prepared for such weather hastily improvised arrangements for a reception inside the airport building if rain should fall when the Prime Minister’s plane touches down. Sir Winston Churchill and Mr Eden delayed their departure until after the vote on the Government’s housing policy, which passed the second reading in the House of Commons last night by a majority of 27. Members of all parties surrounded Sir Winston Churchill and Mr Eden to wish them bon voyage. Sir Winston Churchill beamed as Mr Tom O'Brien (Labour) crossed the floor of the Chamber to wish him godspeed and shake his hand. Mr O’Brien, a former chairman of the T.U.C., had been criticised by Labour Left-Wingers for wishing the Prime Minister good luck on a previous journey. After Sir Winston Churchill reentered the Chamber, from the voting lobby, members stood and cheered. He left at once by car for the airport. Crowds lining the pavement outside the House of Commons cheered as the Prime Minister, smoking a cigar, left the House. Some people had waited for more than two hours. Mr R. A- Butler, who will preside at meetings of the Cabinet during Sir Winston Churchill’s absence, accompanied the Prime Minister to the airport. Most of the other members of the British party of 31 were already aboard the airliner when Sir Winston Churchill arrived.

Mrs Eden said good-bye to Mr Eden on the plane.