§ 59. Mr. J. Morganasked the Minister of Agriculture what are the names and qualifications of the persons constituting the Publicity Committee for his Department; the respective salaries paid; whether any of such persons continue to hold paid positions in connection with commercial journalism; and with what papers and in what capacity?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithAs was announced on 6th September last, I have appointed the following persons to advise me on matters affecting publicity and intelligence in connection with the Government's campaign to increase home food production:
§ Mr. R. W. Haddon (Chairman), Managing Director of Farming Papers.
§ Mr. Laurence F. Easterbrook, Journalist.
§ Mr.Cleveland Fyfe, C.B.E., Secretary, National Farmers' Union.
§ Mr. W. Gavin, C.B.E., Agricultural Adviser.
§ Mr. Anthony Hurd, Farmer and Journalist.
§ Mr. Cedric Drewe, M.P.
§ These gentlemen are acting in a purely advisory capacity and receive no payment as members of the committee.
§ Mr. MorganI gather that we may take it that they are entitled to contribute to outside papers, but will the Minister take into account the fact that the correspondents of other papers do not like correspondents of rival papers having the first feed of the news?
Mr. De la BèreWill my right hon. and gallant Friend give us some assurance that there will be no continuation of this hush-hush business?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithThere is no hush-hush business.