asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will circularise all Departments with instructions that when officials of Government offices, in the course of their duties, find it necessary, or are directed by their political chiefs, to give Press interviews or to make public statements their anonymity is to be strictly observed.

I am not aware of the need for any such instruction, and I think it better to rely on the Press themselves to preserve the anonymity of officials, which in general, and by tacit understanding, they readily do.

What is the position, in view of the Prime Minister's pronouncement on this matter a fortnight ago?

I am afraid I have not got that pronouncement in mind at the moment.