HC Deb 19 May 1980 vol 985 cc27-8
40. Mr. Canavan

asked the Paymaster General how many press releases he has issued since he assumed responsibility for the co-ordination of the Government's Information Services.

The Paymaster General (Mr. Angus Maude)

Press releases are not issued directly from my office, but through the press offices of individual Government Departments.

Mr. Canavan

Was the right hon. Gentleman at the secret meeting at No. 10 Downing Street at which the Prime Minister was reported to have told five editors that she would have no objection if their papers rubbished the trade unions? Why do the Government not tell the truth through their information services about the discredited policies of this rubbishy Government, instead of conspiring with the gutter press to discredit the trade union movement?

Mr. Maude

Since no such meeting took place, and since No. 10 Downing Street and the editors of all five newspapers have denied that it ever took place, the hon. Gentleman's question is pointless.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

Does my right hon. Friend agree that as the events of Wednesday last week were primarily a dispute between some trade leaders and most trade unions members, the newspaper editors seem to be in better touch with the trade union movement than do Labour Members?

Mr. Maude

I entirely agree. That has been borne out by everything that has happened.

Mr. Heffer

In view of the commendable view that the right hon. Gentleman took when we last discussed the House of Lords in this House, will he tell us the view of the Government on that question? Is there to be a press release on it? Are the Government supporting the concept of Lord Hailsham, or taking a different view?

Mr. Maude

That is not really a question for me. I understand that the matter is still under discussion.