§ 51. Mr. G. Brownasked the Prime Minister what are the conditions which govern participation by civil servants in political controversy affecting their Departments; whether he regards these conditions as being satisfied in the participation of the Director of Public Relations at the War Office in a televised discussion on defence and National Service on 27th February last; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterThe rules are lengthy and I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the circular in which they were promulgated. They allow civil servants to appear for the purpose of giving information with the consent of the head of their Department provided they148W do not become involved in political controversy. This particular broadcast was an objective broadcast in a series entitled "Youth wants to know". I am informed that it was within the rules laid down and was authorised by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War.