HC Deb 15 March 1944 vol 398 c222
22. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Information why no speaker was sent to a meeting, particulars of which have been forwarded to him; why no notice was given to the organisation concerned that no speaker would arrive; and what disciplinary action does he propose to take.

Mr. Bracken

I understand that the speaker had been bombed out in a recent air-raid and had been sent to the country by doctor's orders. Unfortunately, the Ministry's London office were not informed, and they did not know that she was unable to keep her engagement. My hon. Friend will agree that in the circumstances, no action is called for and, in any event, the speaker was not a member of the staff of the Ministry.

Sir W. Smithers

When the speaker was bombed out, why did not some official of the Ministry inform the organisation?

Mr. Bracken

I thought I had explained that the official could not communicate with the convenors of the meeting, for the good reason that the official was not notified that this lady could not keep her engagement.

Mr. R. J. Taylor

Did the right hon. Gentleman have any complaint from the audience?

Mr. Bracken

None whatever.

Mr. Rhys Davies

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider whether the attendance at these gatherings is sufficiently large to warrant continuing the work? Would he also consider the qualifications of these speakers?

Mr. Bracken

That is rather a different question. All I can say to my hon. Friend is that these meetings take a great deal of organising. We certainly make no effort to thrust them on the community. As the Minister, I am always full of anxiety about what speakers or lecturers may say on platforms, because in the end some remark is brought to the attention of this House, and I have to justify my perambulating orator.