asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether his attention has been drawn to a poster, dated February, 1947, printed by the West Midland Coal Board over the signature of G. H. Jones and containing in its second paragraph the statement that the alternative to the policy of nationalisation is capitalist Fascism; whether the printing of this poster had been approved by him; and whether he will investigate the circumstances in which this poster was printed and the fitness of those responsible for it for their appointments.

The answer to the first part of the Question is, Yes; and to the second and third parts, No. The preparation and display of posters is a matter for the National Coal Board. I understand that the poster in question has not been displayed.

In view of the fact that the poster in question has been sufficiently displayed to come into my hands, will the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter again? Is he satisfied that the officials of this Board are indulging in provocative and crude political propaganda, and will he direct their attention to the greater necessity of producing coal?

It is not usual to reply to supplementary questions which express an opinion.

Is not this precisely one of the matters on which the expert political experience of the right hon. Gentleman would be valuable to the Coal Board? Is not this precisely one of the things which will destroy the advantages, if any, of the new monopoly if it is allowed to enter into practical polities?

The expert political experience will be utilised at the proper moment.

Would the right hon. Gentleman make it perfectly clear that he has no intention of interfering with the political views of this very distingushed, well informed and highly respected body of men?

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain to the House how he can reconcile what he has said in answers to this Question with his repeated statement that one of the advantages of the set-up is that the Minister is, in fact, responsible to Parliament, and can be questioned about the doings of the Coal Board?

I have made it clear over and over again, as the right hon. Gentleman knows well, that I will not interfere in day-to-day administration, but I am responsible to Parliament for matters of public policy.

Are these coal boards subject to any stupidity limit, and why should paper be wasted in this manner?

Sometimes I think that the hon. Gentleman is better qualified to speak of stupidity than I am.

Arising out of the right hon Gentleman's reply to his hon. Friend's Question, will the right hon. Gentleman make it perfectly clear that these officials, distinguished or not, are not entitled to use the Coal Board's funds and the Coal Board's paper to air their political views, whatever they may be?

I have already pointed out that the poster to which reference has been made has not been displayed.