§ 59. Mr. OUTHWAITEasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the official control of the Press which has been established, he will take steps, in the interests of man-power and paper economy, to suspend the publication of controlled news papers and issue as a substitute an official sheet of communications from the various Departments?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Government are not prepared to adopt the suggestion of the hon. Member.
§ 60. Mr. OUTHWAITEasked the Prime Minister whether he will have placed in the Library copies of all official directions that may be issued to the Press?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe suggestion is not one which could be adopted by the Government.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEWould it not be advisable to endeavour to inform hon. Members of the instructions given to the Press as to what they are to tell their readers?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo; obviously it would be both inconvenient and undesirable.
§ Mr. WHYTECan we be assured that the authority which exercises this control is really a responsible authority and not a military officer acting on the whim of the moment?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt is a responsible authority and not a military authority.