HC Deb 16 October 1941 vol 374 cc1499-500
71. Earl Winterton

asked the Minister of Information the number of persons who have proceeded, at his request or that of his predecessor, to the United States of America or Canada on a mission to present the point of view of the people of this country since July last; and whether they include any Members of this House?

Mr. Thurtle

Four, Sir, of whom one was a Member of the House, and one other was a former Member.

Earl Winterton

In view of the fact that a large number of self-styled missionaries have gone to the United States and Canada and have done a great deal of harm there by their interference in local affairs, will my hon. Friend consider whether any means can be taken by his Department to discourage them from announcing that they are going on missions when in fact they are only going because of their own wishes?

Mr. Thurtle

The Noble Lord may take it that it is the desire of the Minister that people should be discouraged from making such statements.