63. Mr. Baker Whiteasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that on the occasion of a recent visit by the Minister of Supply to the North Midlands the Central Office of Information issued to editors an invitation stating that their representatives should arrive not later than 5.15 p.m. and be prepared to produce their National Union of Journalists membership cards, thus discriminating against the Institute of Journalists, to which many journalists belong; and if he will give instructions to the Central Office of Information to desist forthwith from operating a closed shop principle in favour of one trade union.
§ Mr. JayYes, Sir. An apology and a written assurance to that effect were given to the Institute of Journalists on 16th January.
Mr. Baker WhiteWould it not be a good thing for the Central Office of Information to employ as a Press Officer someone who knows the set-up of the Press?
§ Mr. JayThis was a mistake, made I think by a newly-recruited officer, and as soon as the matter was brought to my attention, I took steps to see that it would not happen again.