HL Deb 08 February 1966 vol 272 c639

2.43 p.m.

LORD CHESHAM

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the arrangement made by the Minister of Transport to conduct a National Opinion Poll concerning the 70 m.p.h. speed limit experiment and to publicise the results is a precedent which will be followed in respect of actions proposed or taken by other Ministers.]

LORD LINDGREN

My Lords, the survey was carried out by the National Opinion Poll on their own initiative and not at the instigation of the Government. The results of the survey were incorporated in the Press advertising to give it topical interest.

LORD CHESHAM

My Lords, are we to understand that this survey was completely without any form of instigation or push on the part of Her Majesty's Government?

LORD LINDGREN

Yes, my Lords.

LORD CHESHAM

Having learned that, may I now ask whether the Government would still have used it if the sense had been contrary?

LORD LINDGREN

My Lords, it is not unknown for a politician to use such information as furthers his own case, and to neglect information which is against him. I have done it on many occasions, and I am certain that the noble Lord has as well.