HC Deb 18 February 1942 vol 377 cc1782-3
26. Dr. Morgan

asked the Minister of Information what is the amount of the subsidies now paid by His Majesty's Government for the transmission of news summaries of Parliamentary Debates to interested Colonies: whether he is aware that the only speech mentioned in such news summaries of the Commons Colonial Debate on 20th November last was the official Government reply: and whether this sort of colonial propaganda is to be discontinued during the war?

Mr. Bracken

No subsidies are paid. Colonies receive reports of Parliamentary Debates through normal news channels, including the British Official Wireless Service. The amount of time available for reporting Debates in this service is limited by other needs, but our aim is to give a balanced account of such debates wherever possible.

Dr. Morgan

How could the report be balanced when only one side was reported?

Mr. Bracken

Obviously it was not. I do not mind telling the hon. Member that in this particular case we did not live up to our high standards.