HC Deb 10 May 1944 vol 399 cc1896-7
38. Mr. Vernon Bartlett

asked the Minister of Information how many officials have been appointed by his Ministry in each of the Dominions in order to explain the United Kingdom war effort.

Mr. Bracken

None, Sir. As my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Dominions explained in his answer yesterday, the Ministry of Information has no staff of its own in the Dominions.

Mr. Bartlett

Would my right hon. Friend suggest to his colleague in the Dominions Office that it is not really enough to have one official in Australia, for example, and one in the Union of South Africa, to carry on such a very large task?

Mr. Bracken

It would be better if my hon. Friend would communicate direct with the Secretary of State for the Dominions.

Mr. Bartlett

Has not my right hon. Friend got more influence than I have with the Secretary of State?

Mr. Bracken

No, Sir.

39. Mr. Vernon Bartlett

asked the Minister of Information how many officials in the Ministry are charged specifically with the duty of sending material about the United Kingdom war effort to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Union of South Africa and Eire, respectively.

Mr. Bracken

The total number, exclusive of clerical and typing staff, is fifteen. There are four for Canada, three for Australia and New Zealand, two for the Union of South Africa, and one for Eire. The work of the remaining five concerns all these territories.

Mr. Bartlett

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind the fact that despite the very good work done by these officials, and despite a great curiosity in the Dominions, there is still a lot of ignorance of the British war effort?

Mr. Bracken

I quite agree with my hon. Friend, but I never thought that I should live to see the day when the House of Commons would be encouraging me to take on a lot more staff at the Ministry of Information.

Viscountess Astor

Is the right hon. Gentleman making full use of Mr. Brockington, one of our best broadcasters, who has now returned to Canada?

Mr. Bracken

My noble Friend must remember that Mr. Brockington has a full-time occupation in Canada.