HC Deb 06 March 1918 vol 103 cc1968-70
50. Mr. BILLING

asked the Prime Minister if he can state the names of news paper proprietors, editors, and members of the Press who are either directly or indirectly holding office, paid or otherwise, under the Government at the present time, and the nature of such office?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am not prepared to take the course suggested in the question.

Mr. BILLING

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House why he is not prepared to take such a course, and what reasons there are against it?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I think the reasons are quite obvious. There is a very large number of gentlemen connected with the Press who are helping the Government in all sorts of capacities, and to make any distinction of the kind would be invidious in the highest degree.

Mr. BILLING

Is the right hon. Gentle man not aware that there is an increasing impression that our present Government is Press-ridden, and will he give an opportunity to make a clear statement?

Colonel LOWTHER

Is it not the fact that after the very frank, courteous, and comprehensive speech which the Prime Minister delivered to the Unionist War Committee yesterday — [Hon. MEMBERS: "Order, order!"]

Mr. OUTHWAITE

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will give the facts to the House which were given by the Prime Minister yesterday to the Unionist War Committee?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not know what facts were given, but I am quite prepared to say that if the House at any time desires a discussion on any question we will be quite ready to give the opportunity.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Would my right hon. Friend say whether, on some convenient occasion, such as the Report of the Vote of Credit, the Prime Minister would make a statement in reference to this matter?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Obviously, I can not myself reply to that question, but I should think, and, at all events, if I were in his place it would be the course I should adopt — I should be prepared to discuss it after I knew what was the point with which I had to deal.

Mr. BILLING

Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider it a most invidious distinction for the Prime Minister to make to explain this Press matter to the Unionist War Committee and not to the House generally?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That really seems to me very ridiculous. Surely the Prime Minister, like any other member of the Government, is entitled to meet any body he wishes which makes representations to him?

Mr. BILLING

If the Independent Members of the House make representations, will he meet them?

Mr. SPEAKER

Notice should be given of any further questions.