§ 56. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Prime Minister whether there are any publicity Departments in any Government offices or Government officials engaged, wholly or partly, in publicity work at the present time: if so, in which Departments; and what is the total annual cost of this publicity work?
§ 62. Viscount CURZONasked the Prime Minister which Departments now have publicity branches which did not exist prior to 1914; and whether there is any necessity to continue the existence of these publicity branches?
§ The PRIME MINISTERPublicity officers are at present employed under 1029 the Air Ministry, Colonial Office, General Post Office, India Office, National Savings Committee, Ministry of Pensions and War Office. Their total annual salaries amount to £5,520. None of these posts existed prior to 1914. The question of the continued existence of the posts is being considered on the merits of each case.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that that is the only expenditure on publicity? I asked what was the cost of publicity work. Apart from the salaries of officers, is there no expenditure?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think the answer I have given is correct, but this matter, I understand, is going to be raised on Wednesday in debate.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWhat are the duties of these publicity Departments?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat can be explained in the debate on Wednesday.
§ Mr. WALLHEADWho was responsible for the last effort in the General Post Office?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat matter will be raised on Wednesday.
§ Mr. LAMBERTDoes the Prime Minister himself propose to explain the matter generally?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have not considered that at the moment.
§ Captain BERKELEYIs the foreign news service a publicity Department?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat matter also, I think, can be discussed on Wednesday.