§ 13. Mr. Vernon Bartlettasked the Minister of Information whether film photographers are now included as a 499 matter of course on such expeditions as the shelling of Genoa, the capture of Benghazi, and the more important air raids over enemy territory?
§ The Minister of information (Mr. Duff Cooper)The inclusion of film photographers on the more important military operations must in the nature of the case depend upon the accommodation available. On land, accredited Newsreel cameramen and cameramen of the Army Film Unit cover all important operations. At sea, it has so far been possible to cover almost all major operations by accrediting newsreel cameramen to the chief shore commands and stationing a few film photographers on particular ships. Unfortunately, in the case of the bombardment of Genoa the cameraman was unavoidably prevented from being present. In the air, the problem of accommodation is especially difficult, but efforts are made to secure as full a film record of the air war as circumstances permit.
§ Mr. BartlettIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Germans send film photographers and even descriptive writers on a great number of air expeditions, which helps Dr. Goebbels very much in his task of preparing a case against this country? Could he bring some pressure to bear, or would he consult with the Secretary of State for Air as to whether something more could not be done along those lines?
§ Mr. CooperI am continually discussing the matter with the Service Departments, and they are willing to co-operate so far as possible, but, of course, military considerations must come first.