HC Deb 13 July 1948 vol 453 c1010
46. Mr. Marples

asked the Prime Minister when he now expects to receive the report from the Royal Commission on the Press.

Mr. H. Morrison

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister understands that the Royal Commission on the Press is not yet in a position to say when its report will be presented, but that it is unlikely to be before the beginning of next year.

Mr. Marples

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is likely to be delayed because of the reluctance of the Minister of Health to substantiate abusive statements in the country and, if the Minister of Health does not accept the invitation to give evidence, will that fact be recorded in the proceedings?

Mr. Morrison

I wish that when hon. Members have a particular purpose in putting down a Question, they would try to reveal it in the Question. That would give Ministers an opportunity to prepare the replies they want to make. This Question has nothing whatever to do with the Minister of Health.

Earl Winterton

Can the right hon. Gentleman use his well-known influence and popularity with the Minister of Health to induce him to give evidence, so that the Commission may expedite its report?

Mr. Morrison

I have always understood that these functions of Parliamentary persuasion were reserved to the Father of the House of Commons.