SECRET
EXECUTIVE BOARD
THURSDAY, MARCH 11th, 1943.

PRESENT:

The Director General

The Parliamentary Secretary

The D.D.G.

Mr. Francis Williams

Mr. Gates

Mr. Grubb

Mr. Royds

Mr. Kirkpatrick

Mr. Ryan

General Tripp

Brigadier Neville

Admiral Carpendale

Mr. Lyne

Mr. Carter

1. REPORTS FROM SERVICE ADVISERS .

2. CIRCULATION OF HANSARD .

[A/375]

The D.D.G. reported that the Ministry's views had been requested, at very short notice, on the desirability of increasing the circulation of Hansard. Mr. Grubb explained the overseas coverage supplied by the Ministry for Parliamentary proceedings, which the Board agreed to be satisfactory for the needs of propaganda. On the home front, the Chairman felt that the question was one for Parliament and the Stationery Office, on which the Ministry was not called upon to express a view.

On the further question whether, if a decision to increase the circulation of Hansard were made, the Ministry should accept any responsibility for popularising its sale, the Board endorsed Mr. Kirkpatrick's view that those likely to read Hansard in full were already perfectly aware of it and how to get it.

The Chairman accordingly invited Mr. Gates to attend the meeting of the Select Committee and to maintain a negative attitude.

N.B . No Minutes have been issued since March 6th.