HC Deb 07 October 1941 vol 374 c830
38. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can inform the House on what date the Government of Australia officially inaugurated the Big Ben silent minute observance?

The Under-Secretary of Stale for the Colonies (Mr. George Hall)

I have been asked to reply. I am informed that the Australian Broadcasting Commission has, since 29th September, 1941, observed on all its stations a daily pause for private prayer in the minute preceding noon.

Sir W. Smithers

Is the Minister aware of the widespread nature of this observance, and will he take steps to make it still more widely known?

Mr. Hall

I hope my Reply to the hon. Member's Question will do that.