§ 51. Mr. LYNCHasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by whose authority public money was expended on the publication of a recent speech by General Smuts; and whether an equal sum will be expended on, and equivalent means adopted to secure publicity in favour of, a speech in reply to the arguments of General Smuts by the hon. Member for West Clare in this House on Friday, 1st June?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWGeneral Smuts' speech was printed on the authority of the Government, and, I believe, in accordance with the general desire of the House of Commons.
§ Mr. LYNCHHow far will this principle be extended of spending public money on speeches, for instance, which simply bolster up the position of the Government, no matter how footling the arguments may be which they contain?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Government must take responsibility for the money spent in propaganda. I wish all the money that has been spent had been equally useful.