DECEPTION OF HOUSE

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30158, 15 June 1963, Page 11

DECEPTION OF HOUSE

Church Papers’ Condemnation

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) LONDON, June 13

Two religious newspapers, commenting on tihe Profumo scandal, today singled out Mr Profumo’s lie to the House of Commons as the most shocking aspect of the affair. A third newspaper, the “Church Times,” condemned his affair with the 21-year-old model, Miss Christine Keeler, as “striking ait the roots of the nation's life.” It said: “Rottenness in high places, lying, sexual licence, and the widespread social acceptance of adultery cut at the roots of the nation’s life because they are contrary to the law of God.”

The “Church of England Newspaper" said the real shock of the Profumo affair was the act of deliberate deceit to the House of Commons.

“There wag left one place in which the truth was expected, unhampered by double talk and the law of libel—and that was the Commons. . . . Now the last bastion has proved vulnerable.” the newspaper said. The “Catholic Herald” said: “The most culpable aspect of Mr Profumo’s conduct was his deliberate attempt to hoodwink Parliament and the people. We are all capable of giving way to human weakness, but a Minister of the Crown, especially when he is makl ing a personal statement in rhe House, is rightly expected to be above deliberate lying and calculated rnisrep-