HC Deb 12 March 1951 vol 485 cc1059-60
45. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Lord President of the Council to whom application should be made for Festival interpreters' badges for the period of the Festival of Britain.

The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

I assume that the Question refers to newspaper reports of a scheme designed to encourage members of the public to wear badges indicating that the wearer speaks a foreign language. The scheme is not sponsored by the Festival organisation, nor is it supported by them in any way. It is, I understand, essentially a private commercial venture.

Sir W. Smithers

As this question is of such importance as to be answered by the new Foreign Secretary, may I ask him whether he is satisfied that this suggestion is a good one or not; and is he so vain as to think that good suggestions come only from the Socialist Government, and cannot be put forward by private individuals?

Mr. Keeling

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, whom I should like to be allowed to congratulate on his appointment as Foreign Secretary, whether he will normally be answering questions addressed to the Lord President, and if not, who will?

Mr. Morrison

That is a question which should be put down to the Prime Minister, who is, of course, responsible for the allocation of duties among his colleagues.