§ 44. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for War if, in order to encourage political education in the Forces in preparation for the General Election, he will consider devoting an issue of the A.B.C.A. bulletin to an objective outline of the policies of the various political parties and schools of thought, with a balanced indication of the main arguments for and against each point of view.
§ Sir J. GriggNo, Sir. I do not believe it is within the capacity of any human being to encompass objectivity over so wide a field.
§ Mr. DribergIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that any competent group of Lobby correspondents, or other political journalists, could do this job easily in a couple of days?
§ Sir J. GriggThat is a matter on which there is room for a legitimate difference of opinion.
§ Mr. StokesCan the Secretary of State assure the House that no obstruction is put in the way of persons who hold different political views from his own, presenting them to the troops?
§ Sir J. GriggThat is a very different question and raises very wide issues of principle, so perhaps the hon. Member will put it down.
§ Mr. ShinwellIf the Minister thinks that objectivity is impossible would he have any objection to a partisan outline?
§ Sir J. GriggThe Fighting Services have a very important war on their hands, without indulging in secondary wars.