HC Deb 01 June 1943 vol 390 cc22-3
40. Mr. Mander

asked the Prime Minister whether any decision has been taken by the Government to continue the Ministry of Information after the war?

41. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that it is not the intention of the Government to retain the Ministry of Information as an instrument for spreading knowledge and explaining Government policy after the cessation of hostilities?

Mr. Attlee

No decision has been taken by the Government as to the continuance of the Ministry of Information after the war.

Mr. Mander

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the Government could take no more popular action than to close this Ministry directly the war is over?

Mr. De la Bère

Is it not highly desirable to close this unfortunate Ministry lock, stock and barrel at the earliest possible opportunity? What has it ever done one half so precious as the hours it has wasted?

Mr. Ivor Thomas

Will my right hon. Friend at least consider the relations between the Ministry of Information and the public relations officers on the one hand and the Ministry of Information and the British Council on the other, as there is a good deal of overlapping?