§ Mr. Garry Allighanasked the Prime Minister why a public relations officer has been appointed to his staff; if this is an official appointment; what is the salary that will be paid from State funds; and what are the duties of such an officer in relation to the Press.
§ The Prime MinisterA Government Press Officer at No. 10 Downing Street was first appointed in November, 1931, to meet the need for a full-time public relations officer in the Prime Minister's office. The holder of the appointment retired in September, 1944, and temporary arrangements were then made. With the return of peacetime conditions it was 549W thought desirable to appoint again a full time public relations officer at No.10, Downing Street who could communicate with the Press on the Prime Minister's authority on matters affecting the Government generally. This appointment of Adviser on Public Relations is an official one held by a temporary civil servant at a salary of £2,000 a year paid from public funds. His day to day duties in the main arise from contacts of the Press with the Prime Minister's office.