asked the Prime Minister if he will state to which political parties the members of the recently appointed Commission to inquire into the Press belong.

No, Sir.

Is the Prime Minister aware that many of us felt that he would not find it convenient to give an answer to this Question, and is it not further evidence of the Communist technique among the Press?

The hon. Member is, as usual, quite mistaken.

asked the Prime Minister which of the members of the Royal Commission for an inquiry into the Press are known to have been members of, or been associated with, political parties; and where this information is available, with which political party each member of the Commission is, or has been, associated.

I am not aware of the exact political associations of all the Members of the Commission.

May I put two points to the right hon. Gentleman? While I do not for a moment suggest that any of these members will act other than impartially, does he not think it unwise to have appointed the chairman of a political party; and also is it not a fact that, while most of the members have some strong political association, none is in such a position in regard to the Conservative Party?

I am aware of the convictions of a number of the members: I know of some, but not of all.

Is the Prime Minister aware that of the members of the Press Commission—

Hon. Members:

Reading.

I am very grateful for the solicitude of hon. Gentlemen opposite, but I am actually looking at HANSARD. Is the Prime Minister aware that of the members of the Press Commission, there are a Socialist alderman and a Socialist barrister, and would it not have been a pleasing coincidence if there might also have been a Conservative alderman and a Conservative barrister?

It might have been, but we have taken rather a cross section of the community and I do not think that we necessarily want a spate either of aldermen or of barristers.

Is it not a fact that a very large proportion of the members of this Commission have failed to secure election to this House, and is that a qualification?