§ 47. Major-General Sir Alfred Knoxasked the Prime Minister whether, since each Ministry will in future have its own Press Department, and since censorship and the centralised issue of Government news to the Press and the British Broadcasting Corporation have been transferred to Sir Walter Monckton's organisation, he will state what functions remain to be carried out by the Ministry of Information; and whether he will now abolish this Department with its expensive staff, in the interests of economy?
§ The Prime MinisterThe functions of the Ministry of Information are, firstly, to give the greatest possible publicity, in all parts of the world, to the British point of view in all its aspects. Secondly, to ensure that German misstatements are immediately and convincingly denied and that such denial receives wide currency. To perform these tasks satisfactorily, as was shown by experience in the last war, centralisation and unification of control are essential. The answer to the second part of the question is, therefore, "No, Sir."
§ Sir A. KnoxIn view of the reduced scope of this Ministry's duties, does the right hon. Gentleman not think that those duties could be adequately performed by a staff less expensive and less highbrow in character?