§ 35. Mr. MYERSasked the Prime Minister whether the pamphlet, "The Prime Minister states the Case for the Nation," has been printed and circulated at public expense; whether he is aware that it has been circulated by attendants in places of amusement and broadcast generally; and whether he will give details of the expenditure incurred?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir W. Mitchell-Thomson)I have been asked to reply. The Government intend that the public shall be kept fully informed of the points at issue in a dispute which so intimately affects the nation's life; they accordingly decided that the verbatim report of the Prime Minister's statement on behalf of the Government to the National Union of Railwaymen and the Transport Workers' Federation on 14th April should be given the widest possible publicity throughout the country. The details of the expenditure incurred are not yet completely available.
§ Captain W. BENNWill the hon. Gentleman say whether the placarding of speeches of Members of this House, from the Prime Minister downwards, is an innovation in the practice of this country?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThat is a matter of opinion.
§ Captain REDMONDIs the same course being adopted with regard to the letter that appeared in yesterday's Press over the Prime Minister's name, which is nothing but a blizzard of misrepresentation?
§ Mr. SPOORDoes the hon. Gentleman not think that if the object is to keep the public informed, it would be as well that the statements made by the other parties should also be published?