HC Deb 18 March 1940 vol 358 cc1621-3
18. Mr. John Morgan

asked the Minister of Agriculture the grounds for the recent issue of a circular to the county war agricultural executive committees calling upon members not to criticise the Government's agricultural programme in public; and what action will be taken against those members who may feel unable, in the public interest, to comply with such a request?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

The letter to which the hon. Member refers was written to chairmen of county war agricultural executive committees in response to requests for guidance in order to make it clear to the committees that, since the Minister is solely responsible to Parliament for the proper exercise in every county of those powers conferred on him by Parliament, which have been delegated to committees, the committees are responsible to the Minister alone and not to the public. Otherwise, it would be impossible for me to maintain the position in regard to my responsibility to Parliament for the action of the committees, which act as the agents of the Minister and not as elected or independent statutory bodies. It was also pointed out that any representations which committees feel it necessary to make in connection with the food production campaign should be made to the Minister in accordance with the confidential relationship which normally exists between a principal and agents. The replies which have been received to the letter indicate appreciation of and agreement with the position as laid down.

Mr. Morgan

Then the Minister does confirm that such a letter was sent out? Is there no protection against members of committees receiving a constant stream of propaganda from inside the Ministry? Can they not describe it as "blah?"Cannot they criticise it, as many of them have been doing, and cannot they continue to do so, as they will, if you continue to send out this propaganda?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I was asked to give some guidance as to the position between county war agricultural committees and the Ministry. I have tried to set it down as carefully as possible, without any sort of prejudice, and this is the result. I do not think there is any hardship.

Mr. Morgan

Are they not to criticise the Minister in public? That is the gist of the matter.

Sir A. Sinclair

Does this mean that anybody who does not approve of the policy of the Government cannot become a member of a committee, or if he does he is not allowed to make speeches in public? I understand that the Minister said "on behalf of their committee." Are they not allowed to criticise the Government?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

What I said in the letter referred to them in their official capacity as members of these committees. What they do in their private capacity is no concern of mine.

Mr. Morgan

Has the Minister an instance of anybody making a complaint in his official capacity?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I was not talking about that. I was asked for general guidance, and that I have given.

Mr. De la Bère

It all seems very strange.

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