HC Deb 21 July 1971 vol 821 cc1446-8
35. Mr. David Clark

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will list the statutory powers under which he carries out his official responsibilities in relation to the mass media.

The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. William Whitelaw)

The Prime Minister has asked me to exercise a general responsibility, within the Government, for the co-ordination of Government information services and liaison with the Press and broadcasting authorities. This does not require any statutory powers.

Mr. Clark

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply. Could he inform the House whether he has any responsibility for the mass distribution of the shortened White Paper on entry into the E.E.C., and is he aware that there is constitutional concern about the status of the White Paper. Is he further aware that there are reports in the Press that Conservative Party agents in the West Riding of Yorkshire have been receiving bulk supplies of this document to deliver as party political propaganda to the doorsteps of houses in West Riding?

Mr. Whitelaw

On the general point, I have nothing to add to what I said to the House on Monday. On the second point, the Central Office of Information approached all organisations to ask if they wished to have bulk delivery. All political parties decided to take some of these documents. They took them, and it is their affair how they distribute them.

Rear-Admiral Morgan-Giles

Does my right hon. Friend realise that many people feel that balance, however genuinely sought on any television programme or subject, is not enough and that what matters is the underlying long-term—perhaps subliminal—effect on the political plane? Is he giving attention to this difficult and intractable matter?

Mr. Whitelaw

I note what my hon. and gallant Friend has said ; I do not think I can add anything at this stage.

Mr. John Mendelson

With regard to this propaganda pamphlet, does the right hon. Gentleman now realise that in the West Riding, as in other parts of the country, Conservative agents are distributing this pamphlet and Post Office workers are being forced to take part in the process of distribution? Does he not accept that he is putting many members of the Post Office staff in an impossible position? The party agents of one political party are distributing this pamphlet and these workers are being obliged to take part in a propaganda exercise by the Government and the Tory Party. Will he stop the distribution of these pamphlets through the Post Office?

Mr. Whitelaw

I do not think I would accept what the hon. Gentleman has said. I have nothing to add to what I said on Monday.

Mr. Peart

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the White Paper has not been approved and is a contentious document advocating the Government's policy on a very important matter. Ought not this matter to be looked at again?

Mr. Whitelaw

We went through all these matters on Monday, and I have nothing to add.