HC Deb 30 January 1941 vol 368 cc659-60
27. Mr. Higgs

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to reply to the communication sent by the hon. Member for West Birmingham, on 23rd December last, concerning the appointment of Mr. Michael Arlen as a public relations officer for the Midland region; and is he further aware that this appointment is causing considerable dissatisfaction?

Mr. H. Morrison

I am now in a position to communicate with my hon. Friend, and am doing so.

Mr. Higgs

Is the Minister aware that this man is a Bulgarian, and that his original name was Dikran Kouyoum-djyian, and does he consider that the general tone of his writings fits him for the position? Is he also aware that this man has access to confidential information?

Mr. Morrison

The hon. Member is wrong in some of his statements, and I think it best that he should await the letter which I am sending him.

Mr. Mander

Can the letter not be communicated to the House as a whole? Why should the information be given only to the hon. Member?

Mr. Sorensen

What is the general tone of the writings of this man?

Mr. Morrison

I do not know.

Mr. G. Strauss

Could my right hon. Friend give us the gist of the letter?

Mr. Morrison

The letter is not yet written, so I cannot do that.