§ 2. Mr. Liptonasked the Minister without Portfolio if he will issue a report on the activities of his Department since the date of his appointment.
§ Mr. LiptonIs not that reply just as mysterious as the duties which the Minister is supposed to be carrying out in co-ordinating Government information services? Why is he not giving some information service to the House? Has he noticed since he has taken over this job that this country presents a woefully sick image? Despite the difficulties created for him by his Ministerial colleagues, what is the right hon. Gentleman doing to provide us with a newer, better and happier look?
§ Mr. DeedesThe hon. Gentleman should bear in mind that my function is to co-ordinate the information services at home. A principal forum for expositions of Government policy must always be the House. I give advice and assistance where I can to the information services, but it is not part of my job to usurp the functions of Departmental Ministers.