69. Mr. Baker Whiteasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that on 15th March, the Central Office of Information, when asked for the title of the post held by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Bishop Auckland (Mr. Dalton), first gave the wrong title and then said the information was confidential; and what steps he is taking to ensure that the Department becomes more efficient.
§ Mr. JayPerhaps there has been some misunderstanding. The Central Office has no record of any inquiry except for the official address of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Bishop Auckland (Mr. Dalton), which it did not say was confidential. As to the second 2308 part of the Question, I would remind the hon. Member that the Central Office provides services to other Departments: it is no part of its duties to deal with general inquiries, though it does its best to answer them as a matter of courtesy if it is asked.
Mr. Baker WhiteIs the Financial Secretary aware that when my secretary telephoned she was first informed that the right hon. Gentleman held the office of Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and that, on reminding the official that he had gone somewhere else, she was transferred to the librarian who told her that he knew the information was confidential and that he could not disclose it?
Mr. Deputy-SpeakerThe hon. Member is now putting a detailed question which I understand was not admitted.
Mr. Baker WhiteShe asked for the Public Relations Officer and was informed that he had gone out to tea.
§ Mr. JayI think that if the secretary of the hon. Gentleman had telephoned my right hon. Friend's own office in the first place, she would have been saved a lot of trouble.