HC Deb 11 June 1941 vol 372 cc172-4
13. Sir Percy Hurd

asked the Minister of Information why it was that, on the day following the decision of the House to reject the Government's proposal to open theatres and music halls on Sundays, the headquarters of his Ministry directed their regional representatives to report immediately on the reaction of public opinion to the Parliamentary proceedings, and to inform the Ministry of observations and comments by the public?

Mr. Cooper

The direction referred to in the Question was sent out, without reference to higher authority, by an official who is no longer a member of the Ministry of Information. The matter was not one of the kind which usually forms the subject of inquiry by regional information officers, and had the matter been referred to higher authority the direction would not have been issued.

Sir P. Hurd

How does it come about that a letter of this sort is sent out by a representative of the Ministry of Information without the knowledge of the head of the Department? Is my right hon. Friend aware that these inquests, held in secret by representatives of the Ministry in the constituencies, on Parliamentary doings, are most offensive to Members of the House?

Mr. Cooper

I have explained in my reply that this was an inquiry which, in the opinion of myself and my advisers, should not have gone out. Perhaps hon. Members who have in mind further Supplementary Questions will await my reply to the hon. Member's next Question.

Colonel Evans

Can my right hon. Friend assure the House that, when there is any doubt in his mind about feeling in the constituencies, he will see the Members of Parliament concerned and ask for their views on the matter?

Mr. Cooper

I frequently consult Members of Parliament and ask their opinions, and I am glad if hon. Members will be good enough to give me their opinions and ask me what confirmatory or other information I possess on the subject.

14. Sir P. Hurd

asked the Minister of Information on what Parliamentary decisions and public matters, besides the Sunday opening of theatres and music halls, the Ministry have directed their regional representatives to sound public opinion in their areas; what use is made of these reports by the Ministry; and what is the purpose of the Ministry in intervening with the public in Parliamentary matters which are the concern of the elected representatives of the people?

Mr. Cooper

It has been the duty and the practice of the Ministry since its inception to keep itself informed of public opinion on all matters connected with the prosecution of the war. With this object in view, a very large number of inquiries have been made from time to time, of which it would be hardly possible to give a list. My hon. Friend can rest assured that such inquiries have never been designed to interfere in any way with decisions arrived at by the House of Commons.

Sir P. Hurd

May we take it from the right hon. Gentleman that, in future, there will be no repetition of the sort of inquest to which I called attention just now?

Mr. Cooper

Yes, Sir, that particular matter was not one, as I have already said, on which I thought there ought to be an inquiry. Similar subjects will not be inquired into in future.

Mr. Thorne

How can the right hon. Gentleman keep himself informed of public opinion when, as a matter of fact, 50 per cent. of the people do not bother about anything at all?