§ 48. Mrs. Castleasked the Lord President of the Council what is his policy for making available to political bodies the facilities of the photographic library of the Central Office of Information.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonPolitical bodies like any member of the Press and public are entitled to obtain pictures from the C.O.I. photographic library for Press publicity and research purposes on payment of the usual print, reproduction or display fees.
§ Mrs. CastleIs the Lord President aware that the recent pamphlet of the Conservative Party for Wales and Monmouthshire makes use of C.O.I. photos for three out of four of its illustrations? [An HON. MEMBER: "Why not?"] Can my right hen. Friend tell us to what extent other parties are availing themselves of this service?
§ Mr. MorrisonYes, I am aware of the circumstances to which my hon. Friend draws attention and indeed, I am much complimented by the fact that the Conservative Party have recognised at long last the value of the Central Office of Information. It is the case that since January, 1949, the Conservative Party have been supplied with prints on five occasions and the Labour Party twice, which shows the high regard which the Conservative Party have for the Central Office of Information.
§ Brigadier HeadIs the Lord President aware that, in view of the "bonny babies" incident, it is most dangerous to consult this body, and that if we asked for a photograph of the hon. Lady the Member for Blackburn (Mrs. Castle), we might get a photograph of an ancient ruin?