§ Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Education what are the names of the newspapers whose correspondents he selected for interviews separately and privately immediately prior to his full Press conference, at which he announced his rejection of the Burnham negotiated salary agreement; and whether he will make a statement on his policy with regard to the Press.
§ Sir E. BoyleNo Press conference was held at that time, but I held such a conference on 20th February, when I explained my views on the provisional agreement reached by the Burnham Committee. On that day, I gave separate202W interviews to the representatives of The Times, the Daily Telegraph and the Guardian. I also saw a representative of the Economist. I had hoped to see individually the representatives of other newspapers that day, but this did not prove possible.
With regard to the second part of the Question it is my policy at all times to assist the Press in briefing themselves in relation to educational matters.