47. Lord HENRY CAVENDISH-BENTINICKasked the Prime Minister whether he will lay down a rule that no member of the Government shall engage in paid journalism?
51. Captain T. J. O'CONNORasked the Prime Minister whether, with the view of enabling the Crown to command the 791 whole-time services of Ministers in fact as well as in appearance, he will take steps to ensure that no Minister of the Crown during his tenure of office shall engage in the pursuit of any other occupation for private profit or gain?
§ 52. Mr. JOHNSTONasked the Prime Minister whether the Government has decided that no Minister of the Crown during his tenure of office shall contribute to the newspaper Press articles upon matters of public policy for which payment is made; and, if so, from what date the decision is to take effect?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)I have discussed this matter very fully with Lord Birkenhead. He is under a contract to complete certain historical articles in monthly magazines to the completion of which I think no objection can, in the circumstances, be taken. My Noble Friend has most readily fallen in with my desire that he should make no further contributions to journalism. The rule, therefore, may hereafter be taken to be established that Ministers during their period of office will observe this same practice.