HC Deb 19 October 1954 vol 531 cc1027-8
49. Mr. Harold Davies

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on the circumstances in which Lord Russell of Liverpool, Assistant Judge Advocate General, resigned his position after refusing to withdraw his book, "The Scourge of the Swastika," containing a factual account of activities under the Nazi regime.

The Prime Minister

I have carefully considered this case and I do not think that any special statement upon it is required from me. The Lord Chancellor took the view that publication by Lord Russell of a book which was clearly calculated to affect public opinion on a matter of political controversy was incompatible with his holding an office under the Courts Martial (Appeals) Act, 1951, and informed Lord Russell accordingly. In these circumstances Lord Russell chose to resign his appointment and publish the book, as he had every right to do. Had he not resigned his office the Lord Chancellor would have given him full opportunity of being heard before taking any action in the matter.

Mr. Davies

Is the Prime Minister aware that some British subjects, while not denouncing or ever having denounced the German people, feel that efforts by the Lord Chancellor to prevent the publication of a book which is historical fact—[Interruption.]—which is historical fact, and to which the Lord Chancellor, in 1951, apparently offered no objection if it were historical fact, are worried—people of all parties—at this gradual intrusion on the civil liberties of our people; and we consequently believe that had the House of Commons been sitting, this would not have happened to the Assistant Judge Advocate General?

The Prime Minister

The Lord Chancellor made no effort to prevent publication of the book—

Mr. Davies

But he punished the man—

The Prime Minister

—but only to prevent publication of it while Lord Russell held the office that he did.

Mr. Davies

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the answer, I wish to give notice that at the first opportunity I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment of the House.