HC Deb 04 July 1950 vol 477 cc227-8
22. Mr. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for War which British newspapers and Press agencies were represented at the Linsell trial.

Mr. M. Stewart

Only one correspondent of British nationality was present throughout the trial. He represented the British United Press. In addition Reuters were represented by a correspondent of British nationality from the second day until the end of the trial. As the court was, as customary, open to the public and the Press, there were numerous correspondents of German nationality present throughout the trial but it is not known what British newspapers or agencies, if any, they represented.

Mr. Keeling

Can the Under-Secretary say whether it is the intention of the War Office to draw the attention of the agencies he has named, and also of the newspapers which published misleading accounts of the evidence, to the fact that these reports gave the British public and the British Army a false impression about British military justice?

Mr. Stewart

Without any special measures, I do not think that they can fail to be aware of that.

Mr. Driberg

How about that Press Council?