HC Deb 19 December 1944 vol 406 cc1591-2
9. Lieut.-Colonel Heneage

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there is still a hold-up of the mention of artillery units of the B.L.A. since landing in France; how many units have been mentioned; and will he consider releasing descriptions of actions showing the effect of particular artillery actions as was occasionally done in Africa.

Sir J. Grigg

Seven units of the Royal Artillery have so far been released. As my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate, this is a matter for the Supreme Allied Commander. I understand that, provided there are no operational objections, his censors release stories submitted to them of actions in which artillery units have distinguished themselves.

Lieut.-Colonel Heneage

Will my right hon. Friend do all he can to encour- age the issuing of the names of these units, or at any rate to prevent their being unreasonably withheld?

Sir J. Grigg

I do not think there can be any excuse for that. I certainly have from time to time communicated with commanders-in-chief, and pressed them to publish as much as possible and not as little as possible.

Lieut.-Colonel Heneage

May I refer my right hon. Friend to the present practice of referring to "X" batteries, and would he not give permission for the publication of these names?

Sir J. Grigg

I do not say they should be invariably published. Final decisions on these matters must be left to commanders-in-chief. I do not conceive my part in the matter is anything more than exhorting them to publish as much as possible.