HC Deb 09 February 1938 vol 331 c1027
24. Wing-Commander James

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many persons are employed in the Press department of the Admiralty; how many are ex-naval officers; and what extra-Admiralty supervision is exercised over their activities towards curbing the advocacy of policies in respect of inter service matters that conflict with declared Governmental decisions?

Mr. Cooper

Four persons are employed in the Admiralty Press section. None of them are ex-naval officers; the head of the section is a serving Commander, R.N., the others are civilians. No extra-Admiralty supervision is exercised over the section, and it has no concern with the advocacy of policy on any subject.

Wing-Commander James

May we assume that the articles that appear regularly in certain organs of the Press on the Fleet Air Arm controversy by their naval correspondents are not inspired?

Mr. Cooper

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Mander

Is it not the case that the publicity department of the Admiralty is far less effective than the War Office as far as the Minister is concerned?

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