HC Deb 08 March 1955 vol 538 c135
2. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will send a circular to all local authorities advising them that applications for planning and development permission should not be disclosed to the Press or to unauthorised persons.

Mr. Sandys

No, Sir.

Mr. Jeger

Does not the Minister appreciate that disclosure to the Press or to unauthorised people of information of this kind can cause grave harm to businesses, even to St. James's Theatre, when application is made by someone who has no connection whatever with the concern in question?

Mr. Sandys

The Press are the eyes and ears of the people.

Mr. Jeger

But does not the Minister agree that clerks in offices should not disclose to the Press confidential information which they obtain in the course of their work? Have they not an obligation, in the same way as civil servants, to keep their mouths shut about what goes on in their offices?

Mr. Sandys

Publication is essential so that other parties who may be affected can be informed and make objection if they wish to do so. We cannot inform the public without also informing the Press.