§ 9. Lieut.-Colonel Heneageasked 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. GriggSeven 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 HeneageWill my right hon. Friend do all he can to encour- 1592 age the issuing of the names of these units, or at any rate to prevent their being unreasonably withheld?
§ Sir J. GriggI 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 HeneageMay 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. GriggI 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.