§ 45. Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXasked the Prime Minister, whether the rule that Ministers of the Government while holding office should not contribute articles on political subjects to the press is still enforced and held to prevent their writing such articles for the Foreign Press?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe rule is still in force. It has never been interpreted as debarring Ministers from writing articles which supplement the means already used for enlightening the public in regard to Measures before Parliament and other administrative questions.
§ Sir A. KNOXWhat articles are debarred under the right hon. Gentleman's definition?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWithout notice, I should not like to commit myself to a complete catalogue. The class of article is that which would be done in the ordinary way by journalists for pay. An article written by a Minister supplementing information of a Departmental character for use in propaganda sheets has always been regarded as perfectly legitimate.
§ Sir P. HARRISWould an article that was not paid for be considered improper?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, I say that articles which will be done by a journalist in the course of his profession are debarred. That includes the question of pay. It will be most improper for Ministers to write articles even in explanation of their own administrative work for pay.
Captain CAZALETShould not people in the United States be able to read a reasoned statement of the case and not be solely dependent on propaganda from extremists in India?
§ Sir A. KNOXDo I understand that the crucial point is whether pay is received or not?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, I should not like to say that. That would be one test but not the crucial one.