HC Deb 03 December 1946 vol 431 cc195-6
31. Colonel Wigg

asked the Secretary of State for War why the Bureau of Current Affairs pamphlet, entitled "Control of the Press," was withheld from circulation to Army units.

Mr. Bellenger

This pamphlet was withheld from circulation to Army units because at the time it was ready for publication, the question of whether a Government inquiry into the Press of this country should be held was being actively discussed, though no decision had then been taken.

Colonel Wigg

Is the Minister aware that the pamphlet concerned was first published on 21st September and that a statement on the question of a Debate in this House was not made until 24th October; in other words, that five weeks elapsed between the publication of the pamphlet and the announcement?

Mr. Chetwynd

Now that this matter has been decided in the House, could my right hon. Friend say whether it is proposed to reintroduce this pamphlet?

Mr. Bellenger

I am afraid that, as a result of the Debate in this House, it is somewhat stale.

Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

Would the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that such pamphlets will not contain excerpts from the Press quoting songs making detrimental personal references to his Majesty's Ministers?

Colonel Wigg

Is it the right hon. Gentleman's view that only non-controversial matters must be circulated for discussion in the Forces?

Mr. Bellenger

I think that the question of the B.C.A. pamphlet, which is published by a private body, wants looking into. I do not see why I should distribute every pamphlet supplied by that organisation.

Major Legge-Bourke

Would the Secretary of State say whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government that information concerning matters which are being freely discussed in the Press should not be given to the Forces except through the Press?

Mr. Bellenger

No, Sir. The hon. and gallant Gentleman entirely misrepresents the position. We want the Army to be as well informed as possible, but that will not always be achieved by distributing one limited pamphlet only.

Colonel Wigg

On a point of Order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I wish to give notice that I propose to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

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