32. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Prime Minister whether, in connection with the 911 growing practice of promulgating Government policy by way of announcements through the British Broadcasting Corporation and publicity agents, he will give an assurance that, prior to the utilisation of these methods, a pronouncement on all subjects will be made in the House of Commons?
§ The Lord Privy Seal(Mr. Attlee)As has already been stated, His Majesty's Government are of opinion that important statements should, whenever possible, be made by Ministers in Parliament. I am not aware of the growing practice to which my hon. Friend refers, and I can assure him that His Majesty's Government are always anxious to give the House the earliest and fullest information compatible with the daily and urgent business of carrying on the Government.
Mr. De la BèreShould it not be obligatory for the Government to make all pronouncements of Government policy in the House of Commons in the first place; then, if Ministers must have publicity agents and pose before the footlights, let them. The public are getting very weary of this use of publicity agents, especially in the provinces, and I do not think it is very beneficial for the Ministers concerned.
§ Mr. AttleeI think my hon. Friend will realise that in the conditions under which we are living to-day it is quite possible that announcements have to be made during week-ends.