HC Deb 27 October 1955 vol 545 cc351-3
11. Mr. Lewis

asked the Minister of Education why he took his public relations officer to the recent Conservative Party Conference; what State duties this officer performed whilst at Bournemouth; and the total cost involved to Exchequer funds.

Sir D. Eccles

I needed the services of my chief Press officer because what I had to say at the conference on local government on Tuesday, 5th October, dealt with aspects of the work of my Department and was calculated to stimulate questions on the administration of the education service. The cost of subsistence and travelling expenses falling to the Vote of my Department was £11 14s. 9d.

Mr. Lewis

Is this not a terrible thing that we have just heard? The Minister admits that he had some important matters which he wished to put before an outside conference which had no responsibility to this House. If he has important statements to make, why does he not make them in the House? Why should he go to this jamboree of non-responsible people, and irresponsible people, and use Government money in the process? Furthermore, did he consult the Chancellor of the Exchequer and his hon. Friends who have been clamouring for reductions in expenditure?

Sir D. Eccles

I did not make any new statements to the conference. I think the hon. Member will know that when one has several hundred members of local authorities to address about one's own service, there are likely to be a lot of questions about particular areas. I certainly do not know all the answers. Indeed, it was a great help to me to get the information to answer the questions.

Brigadier Medlicott

Is it not well known that to attend a Conservative Party conference is in itself highly educational?

Mr. Lindgren

Had it been a conference of local government representatives, the right hon. Gentleman's answer would be applicable, but are we to understand now that civil servants, chargeable to the Exchequer, are to be used as an adjunct to Tory Party propaganda at their annual party conference?

Sir D. Eccles

As a matter of fact, there was practically no politics in this at all. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] Hon. Members may have a copy of my speech if they like. It was an explanation of the capital investment programme and public relations in regard to teacher-parent associations.

Mr Shinwell

As the right hon. Gentleman has embarked on this new venture, would he bring his public relations officer to the House occasionally so that his answers to Questions may give greater satisfaction than his answer to this one?

Mr. Lewis

On a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.