asked the Minister of Information whether, in view of the fact that the background talks arranged for the benefit of the Press by his and other Government Departments are greatly appreciated and provide valuable results, he can give an assurance that they will be continued; and whether arrangements can be made to penalise those who do not observe the conditions of discretion or secrecy imposed at such conferences?

I share the opinion of my hon. Friend that the background talks at the Ministry to which he refers are of value, and should be continued in appropriate cases. But it is only possible for them to take place if one can be reasonably sure that confidence will not be abused.