§ 37. Sir Percy Hurdasked the Minister of Information whether it is the practice of his Ministry to issue questionnaires to the public; what have been the subjects of questionnaires during the. present year; to whom they have been sent; and what use is made of the results?
Mr. CooperIt is not the practice of the Ministry of Information to issue questionnaires to the public, and the remainder of the Question does not, therefore, arise.
§ Sir P. HurdWas not a questionnaire issued on the subject of the Sunday closing of theatres, asking people whether they did or did not approve of the action of the Government and of the House of Commons? Is it the business of the Department to intervene in this way between Members of Parliament and their constituents?
§ Mr. MaxtonIs the Minister still carrying on his mass psychology investigation?
Mr. CooperI still think it my duty to keep myself informed of public opinion; but no such questionnaire was issued.
§ Mr. MaxtonIs the observation still being carried on by the Minister's experts?
Mr. CooperCertainly, observation is carried on, and reports are being obtained by local committees of the Ministry.
§ Mr. Maxtonrose—
§ Mr. SpeakerThe Question before the House is whether any questionnaire was issued. The Answer was in the negative, and that ends the matter.
§ Mr. MaxtonThat is the point upon which I am trying to get an answer.
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is another point altogether.