§ 55. Mr. THOMASasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Press censorship that is now being exercised is having a deterrent effect upon the efforts that are being made to bring home to the people the struggle in which the nation is now involved, and the absence of necessary information is calculated to destroy public confidence in the Government and is also tending to stories of reverses being circulated; and, having regard to the fact that all evidence goes 401 to prove that even a reverse to the Allies instead of damping the enthusiasm of the people has had the opposite effect, and having regard to the feeling existing on this matter, will he take steps to see that the public is given more details of the work performed and sacrifices made by the Army and Navy, and so enable all sections of the people to fully appreciate the task to be achieved before any settlement could be considered?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI can assure my hon. Friend that is is the policy of both Admiralty and War Office to publish fully all news, whether favourable or adverse, except in the case of overriding military considerations. Subject only to that condition, I think that there should be the fullest disclosure of all that is being done by both Navy and Army.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEDoes the right hon. Gentleman intend to apply that for the future, so that the names of regiments will appear in all statements made?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat must be left to the discretion of the Commander-in-Chief and the military authorities.