HC Deb 10 April 1940 vol 359 cc546-7
12. Mr. T. Williams

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the Bulletin of international news of 22nd March, 1940, published by the Royal Institute of International Affairs, pages 356–359, devoted to Palestine Land Transfer Regulations; whether he is aware that of three-and-a-half pages devoted to this subject, only 10 lines purport to sum up the views of His Majesty's Opposition as expressed in the recent Debate on Palestine, whilst one-and-a-half pages set out the Government case; and, in view of the fact that this House has recently voted funds towards the war budget of Chatham House, will he ensure that future reports by the council of Chatham House provide a fairer presentation of the views of all parties in this House as expressed in Debate?

Mr. Butler

His Majesty's Government have no responsibility for the Bulletin of International News, which is one of the regular publications of the Royal Institute of International Affairs and has been issued for many years past. The organisation known as the Foreign Research and Press Service which performs certain war-time services for His Majesty's Government and receives the grant-in-aid is entirely separate in its administration and work from the permanent organisation of the Institute and has nothing to do with the publication of the Bulletin of International News.

Mr. Williams

As long as Treasury grants are made available to this Council, does the right hon. Gentleman not think a fairer representation of the general opinions in this House ought to be reported, if any reports are made at all?

Mr. Butler

I do not think the hon. Member has appreciated the distinction which I sought to draw in my original answer, that is, that this Bulletin is produced by a private department of the Royal Institute of International Affairs, and that the Foreign Research and Press Service is the only part with which the Government have any official connection.

Mr. Leach

Can the Under-Secretary say whether the right of this society to use the word "Royal" is in order?