FESTIVAL OF BRITAIN (Hansard, 24 October 1949)

HC Deb 24 October 1949 vol 468 cc1006-7 1006

§ 48. Sir W. Smithers
asked the Lord President of the Council if he will make public the terms of the draft memorandum addressed to him by the Festival of Britain 1951 Committee.

§ Mr. H. Morrison
No, Sir. I should regard any draft submitted to me by the Festival of Britain as confidential.

§ Sir W. Smithers
In view of the announcement to be made today, are we to assume that the Government do not wish to make public more than is necessary their policy of squandermania?

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§ Mr. Morrison
It is quite improper that Departmental communications to a Minister should reach the hands of Members of Parliament; and I think it is a point for consideration by hon. Members whether, having received them, they should put Questions in the House or should communicate with the Minister about the divulgence of confidential information.