HC Deb 07 April 1943 vol 388 c611
67. Sir Richard Acland

asked the Minister of Information whether he will consider using some part of his powers of world propaganda in order to assure foreign peoples that British citizens do not express a desire for a termination or a weakening of the war effort when they record their votes at by-elections in favour of such candidates as believe that the British people would work and fight even more enthusiastically if they had an opportunity of looking forward to post-war prospects different from those offered by the present Government?

Mr. Bracken

No, Sir. Perhaps the hon. Baronet will forgive me for suggesting that his interest in by-elections cannot justify his assumption that the Armed Forces of the Crown are not fighting with all the enthusiasm they possess.

Sir R. Acland

Does the Minister realise that quite a lot of sincere and patriotic citizens do seem to share my views, and is it not part of his duty to try to present to the world the views and opinions of all sincere and patriotic citizens?

Mr. Bracken

It is no part of my duty to use the British propaganda machinery to spread offensive observations about the Army.