§ 24. Mr. Scollanasked the Secretary of State for War why the booklet Current Affairs, No. 34, of 9th August, was withdrawn from circulation amongst the Forces.
§ 13. Colonel Gomme-Duncanasked the Secretary of State for War on what grounds a pamphlet on Scottish Affairs, written by Mr. George Blake and recently published by the Bureau of Current Affairs, was considered by the War Office to be unsuitable for discussion in the Army; and on whose authority the decision was made.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe pamphlet "Scottish Affairs" was considered unsuitable for use in compulsory discussions in the Army because it contained passages which might well have led to a discussion of party politics, which is forbidden in such discussions.
§ Mr. ScollanHas the Minister seen the offending pamphlet, which deals exclusively with the case for Scottish Home Rule?
§ Mr. ShinwellI have in fact seen the alleged offending passage, and, if I may say so, it is highly controversial.
§ Major Guy LloydIs it not a fact that almost every issue throughout the war, and since, of the Bureau of Current Affairs has been highly controversial, and very political?
§ Mr. ShinwellI would not care to accept that statement.