Mr. Hely-Hutehinsonasked the Minister of Information whether it was with his authority that the Director-General of the Ministry, in his official capacity, recently toured the South-Eastern Region to inform himself on conditions obtaining there, without either notice to hon. Members representing constituencies in that region, or opportunity to such Members to consult with, or advise, the Director-General on conditions in their own constituencies; and whether he will afford opportunities to hon. Members to consult, and advise, in such matters in future?
Mr. CooperThe answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. As the object of the Director-General's visit was to inspect the local staff of the Ministry and to discuss administrative and departmental affairs I saw no reason why Members of Parliament should be informed of it.