§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will issue a circular to local authorities urging them to extend the practice of admitting the Press to meetings of council committees.
§ Mr. CrossmanThe essential thing, in my view, is that local authorities should co-operate fully with the Press in bringing their work to the notice of the public—including discussions in committee. As my Department said in their circular No. 21/61 of 17th May, 1961, this may be done either by admitting the Press to committee meetings, by holding Press conferences or by other means. I took the opportunity, at the Association of Municipal Corporations' annual conference in September, of speaking at length on the need to improve relations between local authorities and the Press. My speech is published in this month's issue of the Municipal Review and I hope that all those concerned with local government will read it. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.