§ 48. Mr. Macleanasked the Prime Minister which Department is responsible for British propaganda in enemy countries?
§ The Prime MinisterSeveral Departments assist in this important work, and His Majesty's Government take collective responsibility for their actions.
§ Mr. MacleanTo whom can Questions with regard to this kind of propaganda be addressed?
§ The Prime MinisterIf Questions are put down for the Minister of Information or the Minister of Economic Warfare, whichever of these Ministers felt himself 1256 particularly affected would give an answer.
§ Mr. MacleanBut it is already the case that both Ministers referred to by the Prime Minister think they are not interested and not in charge of the propaganda indicated in the Question.
§ The Prime MinisterIf nobody will take the Question, I will.
§ Mr. ShinwellCan the Prime Minister say who is responsible for this if the Minister of Information is not responsible? Why should my right hon. Friend deal with matters of this kind? Cannot he delegate them to another Minister?
§ The Prime MinisterNothing would be simpler for me than to give a precise account of exactly how these matters are managed, but I do not think it would be advantageous.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes not the Prime Minister misunderstand me? To whom can Questions be addressed about this kind of propaganda? The Minister of Economic Warfare disclaims responsibility, and if it is not the task of the Minister of Information, whose task is it?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is the task of the Minister of Information and of the Minister of Economic Warfare, certain aspects of which, obviously the economic aspect, are under his care, and if a Question is put down to either one of these Ministers, I will see that it is answered by the appropriate Minister. If it falls between the two, I shall be glad to serve the House.