HC Deb 23 January 1940 vol 356 cc355-6
17. Mr. Lyons

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in any future arrangements made for children to visit the war zone in France for any purpose, he will require satisfactory assurances which will prevent subsequent publication of matters of opinion and viewpoints reached by these children?

Mr. Stanley

It is not likely that children will visit the war zone in future, but any civilian who is permitted to pay a visit will be warned of the necessity of guarding against any disclosure of information on the subject.

Mr. Lyons

Does that mean that in the case of any honour bestowed upon any member of the British Expeditionary Force of any rank, the same facilities will be afforded to the children of that serving soldier as were afforded in this case?

Mr. Stanley

I am glad to have the opportunity of dispelling some misconceptions which my hon. and learned Friend has. The visit to which he referred was paid on the direct invitation of General Gamelin, who was conducting the investiture.

Mr. Lyons

In the case of any other serving soldier in the British Expeditionary Force, would the same facilities be afforded to his children?

Mr. Stanley

As my hon. and learned Friend knows, investitures are usually performed not in the field but in London.

Mr. Thurtle

May we take it that in future any such visits will be strongly discouraged?

Mr. Stanley

This was a very exceptional circumstance, as it was at the invitation of General Gamelin.