CAB129-45 — Page 353

276

Page 353

5.

If we should decide to turn down the Opposition's request, we can justifiably do so on the grounds that the inquiry would not be likely to produce practical results, and that the suggested terms of reference show a complete misconception of the problem. If, however, there is to be an inquiry, we should have to insist upon revised terms of reference. The simplest course would probably be to delete the words after "these methods". The emphasis would then be on methods of "informing" the House and there would be less risk of the Select Committee ranging over the settled questions of policy.

J.C.E.

Home Office, S. W. 1.,

1ST MAY, 1951.

-2-

Page 353

Page 353

G.R.

277