§ 10. Mr. Manderasked the Minister of Labour why the questionnaire on the 2479 subject of National Service, sent out to members of the Society of Authors at the suggestion of the Minister of Labour, asks them to give general particulars of their political views?
§ Mr. E. BrownMy Department have had informal consultations with the Society of Authors on the subject of National Service. No request was, however, made that a questionnaire should be issued to their members, nor have I been informed that any such questionnaire has, in fact, been issued.
§ Mr. ManderIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Incorporated Society of Authors, Playwrights and Composers have sent out to all their members a circular which includes this statement:
We are, at the suggestion of the Ministry of Labour, inviting members of the Society to fill in the accompanying questionnaire.And the questionnaire asks them to give general particulars of their political opinions. Does the right hon. Gentleman ascept that or repudiate it?
§ Mr. BrownThat is a matter which has been just brought to my attention. I have not seen the questionnaire.
§ Mr. ManderDo I understand that the Ministry of Labour are opposed to any inquiry respecting the political opinions of persons who volunteer for National Service?
§ Mr. ManderI beg to give notice that, owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.
§ 17. Mr. Dayasked the Minister of Labour the number of persons, male and/or female, separately, that have volunteered to date for National Service; and in what way and with what success the entertainment industry has been asked to co-operate in this campaign?
§ Mr. BrownThe number of applications for enrolment under the National Service Scheme, up to 20th May, including no doubt a certain number of applications by persons who applied to more than one service, was approximately 1,495,000 (1,045,000 by men and 450,000 by 2480 women). The co-operation of the entertainment industry has been freely given since the start of the campaign. The industry has invited National Service speakers to address theatre and cinema theatre audiences, and special facilities have been widely given in cinema theatres both upon the screen and for exhibits and recruiting stalls upon the theatre premises. I welcome this opportunity of expressing the Government's thanks for what the entertainment industry has done and is still doing for National Service.