§ 45. Mr. Turtonasked the Prime Minister why His Majesty's Birthday Honours list was not published in full in the Press of Thursday, 11th July; whether any arrangements were made for additional paper to be available so as to secure due publicity for awards for gallantry in His Majesty's Forces; and whether he will now take steps to give the public details of these awards?
§ Mr. AttleeThe Birthday Honours list which was confined to military Honours, was published in full on 11th July in the London Gazette, but the Order limiting the number of pages made it impossible for the daily newspapers to reproduce the whole list. No applications were made by representatives of any newspapers for licences to increase the number of pages allowed under the Order, and I am informed that the Press would not welcome the issue of licences for this purpose.
§ Mr. TurtonIs my right hon. Friend aware that many soldiers, sailors and airmen do not yet know that the King has 27 honoured them in the King's Birthday Honours list? Is it not a very mean way of rewarding gallantry not to give extra paper for the publication of these honours, in view of the fact that extra paper is given for company reports?
§ Mr. AttleeAs I have already stated, no application for extra paper was made.
§ Mr. TurtonIs it not the duty of His Majesty's Government to see that the King's Birthday Honours list is given due publicity in the newspapers?
§ Sir H. WilliamsAt what time did the newspapers know the length of the list, and how long does it take after they make application before they receive the paper?
§ Mr. AttleeA statement was issued to the Press on 25th June informing them of the date of publication.