HC Deb 27 February 1919 vol 112 cc1947-8
48. Mr. HURD

asked the Prime Minister what portions of the Ministry of Information are still at work; what are their functions and where are they located; and also what other official bodies or individual officials are now engaged in propaganda work?

Mr. BONAR LAW

As regards the first two parts of the question I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to a question by the hon. Member for Montrose on the 24th February. The Members of the late Ministry of Information now working under the Foreign Office occupy premises in Norfolk Street, Queen's Gate, and Gledhow Gardens, South Kensington, but the Office of Works is endeavouring to concentrate the work under one roof as soon as possible. As regards the last part of the question I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Montrose on the 24th February.

Mr. DEVLIN

Will the right hon. Gentleman, according to his promise, give a day for the discussion of this matter?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have said I will give a day if there is a general desire for it. But I think it advisable to wait until the Government have a clear idea of what should be done.

Mr. BILLING

Have we a Minister of Propaganda for enemy countries? If not, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of creating such a post?

Mr. BONAR LAW

We have not.

59. Mr. HIGHAM

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government intend to set up a department of public information; if he is aware that the United States Department of Public Information has for some time past been creating in Allied and neutral countries favourable public opinion towards the goods made by the American people; and if he intends to see that the British Empire has no less efficient methods of making known the resources of our Empire than our American ally?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to him on 20th February, and to the hon. Member for Montrose on 24th February. I am well aware of the very able and efficient commercial propaganda carried on by the United States Department of Public Information in foreign countries, and I trust that my hon. Friend will find that the Foreign Office will, in conjunction with the Department of Overseas Trade, not be unsuccessful in making known to foreign countries the resources of the British Empire.