§ 40. Mr. Manderasked the Minister of Information whether it is the intention of the Government to discontinue in factories the making of political speeches and to encourage speeches by serving officers describing the usefulness in action of the articles being made by the workers?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information (Mr. Thurtle)Speakers employed by the Government do not make political speeches either in factories or anywhere else. While I am fully aware of the excellent effects of speeches made in factories by serving officers, I would remind the hon. Member that there is a limit to the number of such officers who can be spared from their regular duties. Civilian speakers are accordingly indispensable.
§ Mr. ManderIn view of the fact that the Minister of Aircraft Production has announced his intention of adopting the practice mentioned in my Question, would my hon. Friend say whether it is proposed to introduce it into all Departments of the Government?
§ Mr. ThurtleI can give the hon. Member an assurance that it is not proposed to introduce it in the Ministry of Information.