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Oo WESTMINSTER, Tuespay The Prime Minister today lowered the curtain on any further public discussion of the Philby case in the House of Commons. He did so in tones of such gravity, and such obvious sincerity, that for once the House was stopped in its tracks. So far as Westminster is con- cerned the affair has ended as suddenly and as mysteriously as it began. Five questions, all from Labour mem- bers, were on the order paper, Mr, Macmillan answered none of them. He said: “I have made the most careful investigation into all the relevant vents in this case, and have discussed em in detail with the Leader of the position, I think the House will ccept that it would not be in the ational interest for honourable mem. bers to inquire further into the pas history of the case, and I would ask thi House therefore -to refrain from an further public discussion of th OLD TRADITIONS The Government benches murmured assent, but Mr. Niall MacDermot was not to be so easily denied. Did not Mr. Heath's statement that the security ser- vices had never closed their files on the case mean that Philby was still regarded as a securily risk, and if so was not the Post on The Observer a singularly un- wise position to find for him ? Mr. Macmillan was firm, “1 appre- ciate the hon. member's knowledge of, these matters “, he said, “ He will also know the tradition of this House that we should not discuss some of these} iMaspects of our national functions. (Mount Clipping in Space Below) Oa tacuatay TO HAVE FURTHER TALKS WITH MR. WILSON + OMMONS CURTAIN DOWN ON PHILBY CASE!” From Our Parliamentary Correspondent would only appeal to the House to revert | to this older tradition, which I feel is in the national interest. “T have had the advantage of having ‘discussions with the Leader of the Opposition—which is again a very old tradition. of our parliamentary system— and I hope to have further discussions with him as to the best way in which we can try to regulate these affairs in the best interests of the nation.” UNUSUAL ALLY For most members this was more than enough. There were angry undertones when Mr. W. W. Hamilton rose with nagging persistence to demand that his personal question be answered. Whe ' Philby had applied for renewal of hi: Passport, had he been questioned abou his past movements? This was not question of security but a matter of fact and the House had a right to know. “No, sir". the Prime Minister replied, “ We are led from one question to another, and one question leads to another position which is dangerous.” He repeated his plea for no further debate and added: “If not, we would risk destroying the services which are of the utmost value to us.” An ally from an unusual quarter rose to Mr. Macmillan’s aid. It was Mr. Harold Wilson. “I would confirm”. he said, “that in the two meetings we have , had the Prime Minister has given “Mr. 1 Brown and myself a very full and frank account of this case. It raises a number of issues which frankly cannot be dis- cussed across the floor of the House. and while we still have some grave ES EEEEAIOR eo ee Mr, Tolsen Mr. Belmont Mr. Meso (indicate page, name of newspaper, city atcte.) _The Times _Pg. 10 _Ltondon, England nif (sg pate: 7/17/63 Edition: Author: Editor: titte: DONALD DUART MAC LEAN Character: or ESP- R Classification: London Submitting Office: or RF-ORDED vUL 25 1963