HC Deb 02 December 1946 vol 431 cc35-6
105. Sir Stanley Reed

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India by which authority Mr. Compton Mackenzie was selected to write a short popular history of India's war effort; what is the estimate of the expenses to be incurred; and what are his special qualifications for this work.

Mr. A. Henderson

I am informed by the Government of India that the selection of Mr. Compton Mackenzie to write this history was made under their authority by a firm of publishers of good standing in this country, in consultation with a representative of the Government of India sent to this country empowered to take a decision in the matter. The object was to secure the services of an author whose name was sufficiently well known to ensure the sales of the book, who had himself some military experience and also experience of historical writing-all of which qualities the Government of India consider are possessed by Mr. Mackenzie. The financial commitments of the Government of India are limited to meeting Mr. Mackenzie's expenses in touring the various theatres of war in which Indian Forces were engaged and also certain industrial centres in India.

Sir S. Reed

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the historical writing for which this author is famous is the book "Windsor Tapestry," and can the Minister say whether any of the skilled war correspondents who followed this campaign from the beginning are not competent with their special knowledge to write a record of this character?

Mr. Henderson

As to the second part of the question that is for the Government of India to decide. As to the first part, I will be very glad to supply the hon. Gentleman with a list of the works of this author if he cares to put a Question down.

Mr. Gallacher

Is it not a case that this is one of the best known writers in the country, and, on top of that, he is a Scotsman? Does that not qualify him for the job?

Mr. Wilson Harris

Does the hon. and learned Gentleman's reply indicate that Mr. Mackenzie was in India during the war?

Mr. Henderson

I am not certain of that fact.

Mr. Harris

It is a very material question.

Mr. Henderson

I have no doubt that the Government of India, who are the best judges of the matter, have taken all factors into consideration.

Sir S. Reed

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman ask any competent authority what is the historical value of that book known as "Windsor Tapestry"?

Mr. Henderson

That is a matter of opinion.

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