HC Deb 12 February 1947 vol 433 c362
46. Brigadier Low

asked the Minister of Defence how many lectures Professor Laski has given to Service audiences in the last six months; and upon what system lecturers are invited to ensure that all political points of view are equally placed before member of the Forces.

The Minister of Defence (Mr. A. V Alexander)

So far as I am aware, Professor Laski has given only one lecture to a Service audience in the last six months. Political lectures as such are not arranged for Service audiences and should a lecturer have to touch on any political subject or current national issue he is asked to avoid political bias and deal with the point in as detached and objective a manner as possible. The second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware that I and my colleague are at his service any time for giving lectures?

Mr. Alexander

I hope that the hon. Member will sometimes go to these lectures to receive education.

Mr. Nally

Is my right hon. Friend aware that an essential part of political education is the ability to detect fraudulent journalism, and will he make arrangements to provide adequate facilities for that acknowledged master of journalism, Mr. Wentworth Day, to lecture to Service audiences?