HC Deb 21 March 1949 vol 463 cc27-8
45. Mr. Teeling

asked the Prime Minister what was the purpose of his recent visit to Berlin.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

I went to Berlin to inspect the Air Lift.

Mr. Teeling

If the right hon. Gentleman went to Berlin to inspect the Air Lift, can he explain why nothing was done at all from the public relations point of view to make the relatives in this country of people in the Air Lift aware of the hard work that is being done? Can he also explain why he visited the Americans at Templehof with great publicity before he visited our people at Gatow, which caused great discontent?

The Prime Minister

I understand that a Question has already been answered about publicity. Of course, that is not a matter for me at all. The arrangements for my visit were entirely made over there.

Mr. Teeling

Has not the right hon. Gentleman got a public relations officer? Why did he not go with the right hon. Gentleman?

The Prime Minister

Obviously because there was no particular need why he should accompany me in view of the fact that the arrangements for publicity were being made on that side.

Wing-Commander Hulbert

As the Prime Minister has told us that he went to Berlin to see the Air Lift, in order to encourage the Royal Air Force, will he tell us what he thought of the Air Lift?

The Prime Minister

I have already done that, and I thought that adequate publicity was given to my remarks.