HC Deb 17 March 1942 vol 378 c1317
28. Sir H. Williams

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the recent Army Council Instruction dealing with the review of officers over 45 years of age, was issued in February as a secret document endorsed "Not to be communicated to anyone not holding an official position under His Majesty's Government," or with words to that effect, he will say by whose authority, and for what purpose, and on what date it was sent to the Press; by what officers of the Department it was signed; and what steps will be taken in future to prevent a similar breach of the Official Secrets Act?

Mr. Sandys

The Army Council Instruction in question was not sent to the Press. An explanatory statement containing a few quotations from its introductory paragraphs was, however, issued to the Press under the authority of the Army Council on 4th March last.

Sir H. Williams

Do I understand that this document was issued by the authority of the Army Council when the recent Secretary of State was in office?

Mr. Sandys

The question of policy was considered before the present Secretary of State took office.

Sir H. Williams

Then I understand that all the ballyhoo about the new broom is untrue?