55. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the fact that the Press relations officers are partly controlled by the Treasury and partly by the Ministry of Information., he will confer with the Minister of Information with a view to seeing what reduction in personnel is possible, having regard to the recent Report which has been made by the Select Committee on National Expenditure regarding Press relations officers?
§ Sir K. WoodThe need for economy in man-power is fully realised and is kept under constant review, and I see no reason at the present time for a general inquiry, such as is suggested by my hon. Friend. The Report of the Select Committee to which my hon. Friend refers was concerned with the particular question of the Public Relations Branches of the Service Departments. Its recommendations are under consideration by the Departments concerned.
Mr. De la BèreCan my right hon. Friend tell me how long that consideration will take? Is it not another case of gradual consideration which leads nowhere?
§ Mr. BevanIs it not undesirable that we should continue to spend large sums of public money on what are merely publicity offices for politicians, because these men are that?
§ Sir K. WoodI cannot accept that.