§ 47. Mr. Woodburnasked the Prime Minister whether, in order to make the distinction clear between Government information and party propaganda, he will arrange for the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to confine himself to the field of information.
§ The Prime MinisterThere has never been any question of the Chancellor of the Duchy in his official capacity dealing with party propaganda.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that it is rather difficult, when the Chancellor of the Duchy comes out as a propagandist, for the public to decide whether he is giving information or cooking it?
§ The Prime MinisterThe distinction between the two duties is very easy to draw. I do not recall that even the right hon. Member for Lewisham, South (Mr. H. Morrison), when charged with similar functions as Lord President of the Council, was altogether able to insulate himself from some tinge or flavour of party interest.
§ Mr. S. SilvermanCan the Prime Minister tell the House who will look after the Duchy of Lancaster while the Chancellor of the Duchy is engaged upon these other duties?
§ The Prime MinisterThe Chancellor of the Duchy will devote that part of his time which is necessary to carry out the duties of the Chancellor, and will carry them out very efficiently.