HC Deb 04 April 1917 vol 92 c1290
51. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Prime Minister whether it is on the initiative of the Cabinet that instructions are sent from Government Departments to public speakers advising them of the line to take; and, if so, whether these communications will in future be signed by the Minister at the head of the Department in question?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

Mr. LYNCH

In that case, it may happen that unauthorised notices are sent out on Government paper.

Mr. KING

Will the right hon. Gentleman say that no instructions have been given to Members of this House who have gone out to speak at National Service meetings?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not think, so far as I know, that any Government instructions are given. Indications are given from the Department of the kind of speech that is likely to serve the purpose.