HC Deb 11 September 1942 vol 383 cc499-500
5. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for War whether two recently published articles on Army education, signed, respectively, by General Maude and Mr. N. W. E. Williams, now serving at the War Office, defending their official activities, were issued by the Public Relations Department of the War Office; and whether the contents of the articles and the method of publication have his approval?

Mr. A. Henderson

Brigadier Maude's article, which is purely factual and in no way a defence of his official activities, was published with the approval of the War Office. Mr. Williams' article was a personal expression of opinion and was published by him on his own responsibility.

Mr. Stewart

Is it not most unusual for a member of the Civil Service to publish articles defending his own activities? Will my hon. and learned Friend consider this matter, which is rather serious?

Mr. Henderson

The attention of Mr. Williams has been drawn to the Regulations, which prohibit the publication of articles without authority.

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