HC Deb 20 December 1938 vol 342 cc2639-40
6. Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will inquire if a Press Officer of the Union of South Africa is to be appointed in London for informing this country on the Union policy in respect to the High Commission Territories; and whether His Majesty's Government have been consulted upon the matter?

Mr. MacDonald

I am aware that His Majesty's Government in the Union of South Africa have recently appointed a Press Relations Officer in London; I understand that his duties will be the ordinary duties of a Press Officer, without any particular reference to the matter to which the hon. Member refers. Consultation with His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom regarding an appointment of this kind is not appropriate.

Mr. Creech Jones

Is it proposed that a somewhat similar appointment should be made by this Government in the Union itself?

Mr. MacDonald

I think the hon. Member has completely misunderstood the purpose of the appointment of this officer. His functions are simply the normal functions of a Press Officer, and I am advised that they have nothing to do with the spreading of this or that view regarding native policy in South Africa.