§ 28. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the function of the Scottish Information Office; in what respects it is the agent of the Secretary of State; who selects the panel of chairmen for the Sunday evening meetings run by the Information Office in Edinburgh; what are the terms of their appointment; and what instructions have been given to these chairmen regarding the admissibility of party political questions at the meetings.
§ Mr. WestwoodThe functions of the Scottish Information Office are to provide the public through the Press and other channels with information about the work of my Departments. It also acts as agent in Scotland for the Central Office of Information as regards meetings and the distribution of documentary films made by that office. The chairmen of the Sunday meetings in Edinburgh act in an honorary capacity on the invitation of the director of the Scottish Information Office, and have done so for a number of years. They are instructed, in dealing with questions, not to accept any of a political nature.
§ Commander GalbraithCan the Minister say how the expenses of these meetings are met?
§ Mr. WestwoodNot without notice.