§ 40. Captain MOREINGasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the nature of the bulletin prepared in his Department and transmitted through the Leafield wireless station; how often it is despatched; and what is the cost of preparing and transmitting it?
§ Mr. McNEILLThe messages deal with questions and events both domestic and foreign, which are of national importance and of international interest. They are despatched three times daily. They are prepared by members of the staff of the News Department of the Foreign Office, who also perform other duties. The messages differ in length, but on an average contain about 600 words, and a credit is allowed to the Post Office at the rate of 3½d. per word in respect of their transmission.
§ Captain MOREINGDoes the hon. Gentleman think it is any longer desirable that the Government should become a press agent?
§ Mr. McNEILLIf the Government did not think it any longer desirable to do it, it would not be done.
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRWhat useful purpose is served by it?
§ Mr. McNEILLIt would take too long to explain.