HC Deb 25 March 1942 vol 378 c1981
26. Mr. Daggar

asked the Minister of Information whether he has considered the communication sent to him by the hon. Member for Abertillery, concerning a certain picture published in the "News-Chronicle" newspaper on 17th March; and whether, in view of the harm done to our national war effort, he can make a statement on the matter and the steps taken by his Press Relations Department?

Mr. Bracken

I must say that when I first saw the photograph to which my hon. Friend has called attention I thought it should not have been published. But on reflection I recognise that the publication of this photograph was regarded by the editor responsible as likely to contribute to a sense of urgency and indignation in this country.

Mr. Daggar

Does not the Minister agree that the mere taking of this photograph was an insult to the soldiers? Its publication, in my opinion, is not only inconsiderate but cowardly, and will the Minister consult with the Home Secretary in order to determine whether this picture is not considerably worse than the cartoon in the "Daily Mirror"?

Mr. Bracken

I cannot accept the suggestion that the photograph is a cowardly one. I do not know what a cowardly photograph is. I may say this to the hon. Member: The editor of this paper presumably knows his public better than do my hon. Friend and myself, and I am told that not a single protest has been received by the editor.

Mr. Daggar

Does the Minister not agree that it is a cowardly action on the part of the photographer and the publishers to take and print a picture of our soldiers carrying a white flag?

Mr. Bracken

I say again that we are living in very harsh times, and they ought to be brought home to the public.