HC Deb 24 May 1944 vol 400 cc746-7
60. Mr. Mainwaring

asked the Minister of Information on what authority the items of news concerning available supplies of coal for household purposes during the months of May and June was broadcast by the B.B.C. at the end of April.

Mr. Bracken

This news item was based on information released for publication by the Ministry of Fuel and Power.

Mr. Mainwaring

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that recent information has caused a very great amount of anxiety among people who find that it is unfounded? Should not the B.B.C. be pre- vented from giving information which is entirely misleading the people of this country?

Mr. Bracken

If the information is entirely misleading the people of the country, this House should look into it; but, as I told my hon. Friend, the information was given to the B.B.C. by the Ministry of Fuel and Power.