HC Deb 21 July 1942 vol 381 cc1398-9
36. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Information whether the Standing Conference of the Ministry of Information representatives and Departmental Public Relations and Press Officers, which was set up some time ago, is still functioning; how many times it has met; at what intervals; and what conclusions have been arrived at as a result of these meetings?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information (Mr. Thurtle)

The Standing Conference of Public Relations Officers met six times between 8th July, 1941, and 12th August, 1941. It was then decided to suspend further meetings of the full body and to operate through sub-committees as required. Various sub-committees have since met to co-ordinate departmental policy on current publicity questions.

Mr. De la Bère

Is it not a fact that nothing at all has been achieved; can my hon. Friend tell me whether any results whatever have accrued from any of these meetings?

Mr. Thurtle

As my answer explains, the real work is being done by the subcommittees. If it is necessary for the full conference to be called again, it will be called; our only desire is the maximum efficiency.

Mr. De la Bère

Will my hon. Friend call it at the earliest possible moment, particularly in view of the very unsatisfactory nature of a great deal of what has been going on recently?