§ 23. Mr. John Dugdaleasked the Minister of Information whether arrangements can be made for parties of American troops on leave to visit Departments under the control of the Government or local authorities.
§ Mr. BrackenAt the present time operational and security requirements prevent our arranging tours of the kind suggested by the hon. Member. We shall bear his suggestion in mind when tours again become possible, but we have no intention of shepherding American troops round Government Departments unless they are keen to go.
§ Mr. DugdaleIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, strange though it may seem to hon. Members, some of the American troops are very interested in Government Departments, and that, although operations are going on, there are many American troops, not now in Normandy, who are on leave, and who might like to go round Government Departments?
§ Mr. BrackenI am aware that many American troops are in London on leave 174 at present, but I have not heard of any who want to visit Government Departments. At any rate, I do not know of any who want to go to the Ministry of Information.