HC Deb 09 November 1959 vol 613 cc13-5
22. Mr. F. Noel-Baker

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what inquiries he has made into the distribution of his Department's leaflets to political organisations and into their use in Swindon during the recent election, details of which have been sent to him; and what arrangements he makes to ensure that these publications are not used for party political purposes.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

As I told the hon. Member on 1st October, I am informed that the Swindon Conservative Association obtained for the information of its officers 12 copies of my Department's widely distributed leaflet N.I.111 which contains a brief factual summary of the provisions of the National Insurance Act, 1959. I am further informed that one copy was given to a member of the public who came to the Association's office and asked for it. I really do not think that this can be seriously regarded as amounting to a use of the leaflet for party propaganda purposes, even if it were not so obviously from the point of view of style and presentation manifestly unsuited for such a purpose.

Mr. Noel-Baker

The Minister is aware that this became a minor issue during the election campaign in Swindon. Though no one wants to flog a dead horse now, is he aware that his version of what happened is not accepted by many people in Swindon? Is he aware that this leaflet was used on more than one occasion to supplement Tory Party political propaganda during the election?

Sir T. Moore

The hon. Member should not be so touchy.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Does the right hon. Gentleman not agree that it is not desirable in the general interest that Ministry publications should be used by any party for political purposes? Will he satisfy himself that that is not likely to take place in the future?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The hon. Member no doubt uses the phrase "more than one copy" to cover the fact that he publicly alleged that two copies were so used. But the real substance of the matter, if he has studied the leaflet, is that the leaflet is like a very large number of leaflets which it is my duty and my Department's duty to put out to explain on a purely factual basis all the ramifications of our not uncomplicated National Insurance scheme. If they are presented, as they are, as official leaflets, purely factual and objective and lacking the gay trimmings which adorn more controversial documents, I do not think there is the slightest likelihood or possibility of anyone in his senses seeking to use them for propaganda purposes.

Mr. Bevan

Will the Minister call the attention of the Lord Privy Seal to this development, because it is quite opposite to what he wanted to do, when serving in another capacity, with the National Health Service?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Without following the somewhat complicated ramifications of the right hon. Gentleman's argument, I take it that the substance of that supplementary question is to acquit me.

Mr. Bevan

Yes, Sir.