HC Deb 15 November 1944 vol 404 cc1964-5
59. Colonel Sir Arthur Evans

asked the Minister of Information if, in view of the decision of His Majesty's Government to wind up his Ministry on the termination of hostilities, he is now in a position to state what steps will be taken to ensure the efficient presentation of the British case in the U.S.A. during the critical period following the end of the war.

The Minister of Information (Mr. Brendan Bracken)

When the Cabinet decides to terminate the responsibility of the Ministry of Information, the responsibility of the Foreign Office will begin.

Mr. Shinwell

What is the right hon. Gentleman going to do when the Ministry is wound up?

Sir A. Evans

Will my right hon. Friend represent to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs that in this all-important matter it is necessary to take time by the forelock and make immediate arrangements to set up the machinery that will be required?

Mr. Bracken

I am always touched by the number of potential mourners for the Ministry of Information. I can promise my hon. and gallant Friend that the Foreign Secretary is giving a great deal of attention to the change-over.

Mr. Kenneth Lindsay

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that all functions of the British Information Services in the United States will be transferred to the Foreign Office?

Mr. Bracken

Yes, because when the Ministry of Information is buried, the Foreign Office is the only Department which can take over the responsibility.