HC Deb 18 December 1941 vol 376 cc2066-7
38. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Minister of Information whether he is satisfied with the arrangements now in force for providing suitable speakers for the weekly war commentaries throughout the country; and what complaints he has received?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information (Mr. Thurtle)

There is no uniform system of weekly war commentaries throughout the country, but the Ministry has been able to secure a sufficient supply of suitable speakers to meet the demand for this type of meeting where it exists. My right hon. Friend is not aware of any complaints in this connection, except the case to which I think my hon. and gallant Friend refers, in which some objection was taken to a sitting Member addressing such meetings in his own constituency.

Sir T. Moore

Will my hon. Friend say who decides on the qualifications which justify these speakers being selected?

Mr. Thurtle

I cannot go through the whole list of their qualifications, but they are very carefully considered, and they are not permitted to address meetings unless they are apparently capable of giving a good address.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that if he is ever in any difficulty for speakers, I can supply him with some?