15. Dr. Russell Thomasasked the Minister of Information if he will see that official statements of denial of such stories as that of the recent "Pravda" peace story are given to newspapers sufficiently early to ensure their publication with the original report and thereby obviate undesirable effects.
§ Mr. BrackenI could hardly undertake to have a library of potential denials ready to counter every baseless rumour that may arise.
Dr. Russell ThomasMay I, in view of that rather unsatisfactory reply, ask my right hon. Friend to look into this matter again, because the publication of this report has given rise to most unfortunate misunderstandings, which are world-wide in their repercussion?
§ Mr. BrackenIf I were a clairvoyant, I might be able to help the Ministry of Information to live up to its rather pompous title, but as I am not, and cannot foresee the unforeseeable, I am afraid that we shall have to put up with our present limitations.
§ Mr. GallacherCannot the Government take some action in regard to Franco, and the games that are going on over in Spain?
§ Mr. BrackenI do not want to mix up two sets of mischievous lies.