§ 10. Sir Ronald Rossasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that owing to security precautions the public is imperfectly informed as to the services of the British Navy; and whether in consequence, he will authorise the issue of a brief official account of its principal actions and operations at an early date.
Mr. AlexanderWhile it is true that Naval operations in war present peculiar security problems, I cannot agree with the first part of the Question. During the war the Admiralty, in spite of the special difficulties, issued over 5,000 communications to the Press, and arranged for the publication of eight official books on Naval operations, besides which the B.B.C. broadcast 400 Naval items. These were in addition to communiques issued by Supreme Commands. With regard to the second part of the Question, certain special accounts of Naval operations are in preparation, and these will be published as soon as possible.
§ Sir R. RossWill the right hon. Gentleman take care not to make the Senior Service too silent?
§ Lieut.-Commander Gurney BraithwaiteWill the right hon. Gentleman see that the public is also informed of the important and hazardous work still being performed by the Royal Navy in mine-sweeping?
Mr. AlexanderWe have already mentioned that on two or three occasions, but I think we might do so again. The British public has great confidence in the fact that the Royal Navy is there.
§ Mr. CallaghanIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is considerable feeling in the Navy that some of its doings are not recorded as adequately as they might be, and that this is because of a comparative lack of efficiency in the Press Division of the Admiralty?
Mr. AlexanderI do not think that, because we have a much smaller Press Division than most Departments, they are any less efficient.