The Government Explains: A Study of the Information Services

An informed public is the basis of a sound democracy. Public authorities must publicize their work if they are to carry out their duties effectively. But the dividing line between information and propaganda is finely drawn, and public authorities must be on their guard against misuse of public relations techniques. Originally published in 1965, this study examines the way in which the central government information services had developed within the British constitution as a valuable supplement to the more traditional channels of communication of Parliament and the Press at the time.

The book traces the growth of government information services from tentative beginnings in the late nineteenth century, through two world wars - the second in particular, providing the impetus for rapid growth - to the firmly established public relations organization which existed at the time of original publication. At the apex of this organization is the Minister responsible for coordinating information policy, and particular attention is given to the development and growth of the coordinating role at both the ministerial and official level.

The study describes the structure and work of the Information Divisions and discusses the functions of the Central Office of Information in providing them with the professional and technical services they require. In 1949, a new Information Officer Class was created. The book describes the discussions which led to its formation, analyses its form and structure, and examines its relationship with the other Treasury Classes.

The government’s public relations are not confined to information officers. For the ordinary citizen the main channel of communication with government is through personal contact with the individual official, on the telephone or by letter. Public relations training for all civil servants who meet the public is therefore of very great importance. The study illustrates the methods used in the training of lower grades in the Post Office, the Ministry of Labour, and the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance.

The book was the work of a distinguished Study Group of the Royal Institute of Public Administration, today it can be read in its historical context.