HC Deb 31 October 1944 vol 404 cc616-7
35. Mr. Tinker

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has considered the resolution sent by the Tyldesley Co-operative Society asking that the "Daily Worker" be given the normal facilities extended to many newspapers to have a war correspondent with the armies; and what answer he proposes to give.

Sir J. Grigg

I have received this resolution and I propose to reply to it in tie same way as I have to other very similar ones which I have received through Members of Parliament, namely by referring to the terms of His Majesty's Government's decision as announced in this House by me on 18th January and confirmed by the Prime Minister on 2nd March.

Mr. Tinker

Before the right hon. Gentleman sends replies to these appeals, will he consult the Cabinet, because it was a Cabinet decision and I can well understand that he is bound by that until he puts the case before them again? Will he, therefore, put it before them again and tell them that there is feeling in the country that a war correspondent should be allowed to the "Daily Worker"?

Sir J. Grigg

I take exactly the contrary view.

Mr. Austin Hopkinson

Is it not a fact that since Russia came in on the side of the Allies, all our military information is conveyed directly and officially to Moscow, and that therefore it is quite unnecessary to allow the "Daily Worker" to have a war correspondent?

Mr. Tinker

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman again to submit the matter to the Cabinet to see if there is any change in their minds?

Sir J. Grigg

From time to time I take such consultation with my colleagues as I think necessary.

Mr. Driberg

Could the right hon. Gentleman say anything about the position of Mr. Dutt, the "Daily Worker" correspondent now in Paris? Is he allowed access to transmission facilities?

Sir J. Grigg

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put that Question down.