HC Deb 02 June 1921 vol 142 cc1228-9
38. Major M. WOOD

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the greater part of his speech at Maidstone has been issued by His Majesty's Stationery Office as a pamphlet, entitled "Fifteen Points about Coal—Facts you ought to know"; whether this has been issued at the public expense, and, if so, by whose authority and what is the cost; whether he can state the number of copies issued to Coalition Liberal Associations for distribution; and whether it is the policy of the Government to endorse Coalition propaganda out of public funds?

Sir P. LLOYD-GREAME (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

It is not the fact that the greater part of the Prime Minister's speech was issued in the pamphlet "Fifteen Points about Coal." This pamphlet was issued on the authority of the Government to explain the position of the coal industry, and the Prime Minister's speech was quoted, in common with other authorities, in order that the economic issue and the points in dispute might be simply explained. It is not possible at this moment to state the exact cost of producing and issuing the pamphlet, but it is approximately about £1,000. It is the policy of the Government to place the public in possession of all the facts relating to a dispute which has brought loss to every section of the community, and for this purpose political associations have been used as machinery of distribution. This, however, does not make it Coalition propaganda, as is suggested in the last part of the question.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these are absolutely all lies, from top to bottom?

Sir P. LLOYD-GREAME

It is a fair presentation of the case.

Major WOOD

Can the hon. Gentleman explain how it is that this pamphlet was distributed, with other party pamphlets, by Coalition organisations.

Sir P. LLOYD-GREAME

I am not aware that it was, but this pamphlet, which is a pure and simple statement of facts, was available for distribution by any organisation willing to bring the facts before the public.

Major WATTS MORGAN

Will the hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that the Regulations passed by this House in May will also be circulated, showing that the Government are unable to take over the mines?

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that all party propaganda is simply a statement of facts, but the facts are selected?

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