§ 58. Sir Richard Aclandasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what were the causes of the delay of about 24 hours in the publication to the world of the news 1941 of the successful defence of a number of His Majesty's ships against enemy air attack on the afternoon of Tuesday of last week?
§ Mr. ShakespeareThe statement my right hon. Friend made to the House on this attack, in reply to a question by the right hon. Member for Hillsborough (Mr. Alexander) followed closely upon the receipt of the news at the Admiralty.
§ Sir R. AclandWhile I appreciate the answer, may I ask whether the Minister will assure himself of the fact that serving officers do realise that there is a real military value in getting news of their exploits to the Admiralty as quickly as it can possibly be done, for the sake of informing the neutral Press and combating German propaganda?
§ Mr. ShakespeareI think we all fully appreciate that point, but it is more important to see that communiqués issued are strictly accurate.