HC Deb 05 July 1944 vol 401 cc1159-60
62. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the same kind of pictorial propaganda posters used to encourage subscription to War Loan will also be employed to emphasise the civil responsibility of men and women in the Forces; and whether he will have posters of this character issued for display in camps, aerodromes, naval stations and elsewhere.

Mr. A. Henderson

I assume my hon. Friend is referring to the instruction in citizenship which is given in most units of the Army for one hour a week during working or training time. A number of pictorial aids has been issued for use in connection with this instruction and the further display of such aids will be considered. I understand that the practice in the other Services is broadly similar.

Mr. Sorensen

Yes, but might I ask my hon. and learned Friend whether this method of drawing the attention of the men to their civic responsibility could not equally be used to emphasise the need to sign their election cards? Why cannot the same kind of publicity be employed in that direction as in regard to War Bonds?

Mr. Henderson

That is an entirely different question.

Mr. Sorensen

May I submit, Mr. Speaker, that the content of my supplementary question is within the original Question? Further, may I point out this, that the Question I put forward first was directed to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs because it covers the three Services, Under those circumstances, what should have been my course—to put down three Questions or, on the other hand, for my hon. and learned Friend to reply for all three Services?

Mr. Speaker

I am not quite sure, but I should think that the hon. Gentleman might put down some Questions again. If one keeps on trying one never knows what one may achieve.

Mr. Sorensen

Could the Financial Secretary amplify his remarks?

Mr. Henderson

What I said in reply to my hon. Friend's supplementary question was that his reference to difficulties arising in connection with the registration of soldiers for the purpose of voting was an entirely different question from whether we were using pictorial aids in order to foster the interest of soldiers in their civic responsibility.

Mr. Sorensen

Surely the best civic responsibility is focussed on this question of registration. Would the hon. and learned Gentleman take steps, therefore, to consider this matter sympathetically?

Mr. Henderson

I am always prepared to examine any suggestion made by an hon. Member of this House.