A service from mySociety A service from mySociety

TheyWorkForYou

Dewislen

Director of Public Relations

Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Defence – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 3 Tachwedd 1965.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Christopher Rowland Mr Christopher Rowland , Meriden 12:00, 3 Tachwedd 1965

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if outside advice was taken before the appointment of Director of Public Relations was made.

Photo of Mr Denis Healey Mr Denis Healey , Leeds East

The decision was entirely mine. Before making it I took into consideration all relevant factors including Mr. Edward Pickering's report on the Defence Public Relations organisation.

Photo of Mr Christopher Rowland Mr Christopher Rowland , Meriden

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether he is aware of the discontent of the professional Information Grade officers in this matter, and will he bear this in mind in making any future appointments to this post?

Photo of Mr Denis Healey Mr Denis Healey , Leeds East

I am aware of the dissatisfaction, and I have already arranged for the Permanent Under-Secretary for the Defence Secretariat to meet I.P.C.S. representatives to discuss considerations which might govern future appointments.

Secretary of State

Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.