§ 14. Mr. Hugh Lawsonasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that 1556 A.B.C.A. Leaflet, No. 71, dated 17th June, and entitled "Work for All," while purporting to examine suggestions other than those contained in the Government's White Paper as being alternative methods of securing full employment, ignores the proposals of that large body of persons who advocate a planned economy and the common ownership of industry as the only remedy for unemployment; and if he will issue an additional bulletin written from this latter standpoint so that Army personnel may hear both sides of the case and that healthy discussion may be promoted.
§ Sir J. GriggThe A.B.C.A. Bulletin on "Work for All" was designed to provide a background of simple economic theory against which the Army could discuss the Government White Paper on full employment. Views advocated by any political party as such were not included in this background material. As far as I am aware the bulletin is fulfilling its purpose and it is not intended to issue a further bulletin on this subject.
§ Mr. LawsonIs not the Secretary of State for War aware that the economic theory contained in the White Paper is that of the party opposite, and surely common fairness demands that the economic theory of my hon. Friends—which recent by-elections have shown is not without support in the country—demands that that should be included in another bulletin?
§ Sir J. GriggNo, Sir, I read the Bulletin myself before it was published, and I think that the description of it as consisting entirely of the economic views of people on this side of the House is completely inaccurate.
§ Mr. StokesCan the right hon. Gentleman say why all discussion on monetary reform was specifically excluded by instruction, and that there was no discussion about money despite the "Salute the Soldier" week?
§ Sir J. GriggThey are all automatically placed in the Library.
§ Mr. A. BevanIf this document makes the unemployment policy of the Government clear, will the right hon. Gentleman make it available to Members of this House?
§ Sir J. GriggIt either will be or is already available.
§ Major-General Sir Alfred KnoxIs it not the primary duty of the Army to fight and to learn to fight?
§ Sir J. GriggThey are also extremely interested in what is to happen to them after the war.
§ Mr. SorensenIf this new economic theory is not related to any existing party, is it suggested that it should provide the basis for a new party?
§ Mr. GallacherIn view of the character of the Government's White Paper, is not the title of this publication entirely misleading?
§ Sir J. GriggNo, Sir.
§ Mr. Hugh LawsonIn view of the impossibility of continuing this discussion by question and answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.