§ 47. Sir Percy Hurdasked the Prime Minister if he will issue a White Paper putting on record the extent to which the individual Dominions, India and the Colonies have shared in the war effort in Africa and Europe on land, on the sea and in the air, as well as in supplies to various theatres of war, including Russia.
§ The Prime MinisterIt is plainly most desirable that wide publicity should be given to the war effort of all parts of the British Commonwealth and Empire over-sea. Such publicity has, in fact, been continuous throughout the war, and few will complain that this island has obtruded itself unduly. I am doubtful, however, whether the particular suggestion put forward by my hon. Friend is practical. So far as the Dominions are concerned, complete information is not available in this country. It would be necessary to seek the required information from other British Commonwealth Governments who would also have to be consulted about the suggestion as a whole.
§ Sir P. HurdDoes not my right hon. Friend think it is highly desirable that there should be a collective record of the magnificent achievements of the various parts of the British Empire in this war?
§ The Prime MinisterI certainly do, and I think it should be in the fullest detail and from every point of view, but I cannot undertake to have that put in hand actively until questions pending at the General Election are satisfactorily solved.
§ Mr. E. WalkdenWould that include the two Socialist Governments "down under" and their wonderful record?
§ Mr. Seaborne DaviesIs the Prime Minister aware that there is one part of the Empire which feels it has had very bad publicity during the war, and that is Wales?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think that is so. I think the whole country was thrilled to hear of the exploits of the Welsh Division as recently as the crossing of the Rhine.