HC Deb 04 April 1944 vol 398 cc1814-5W
Captain Plugge

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that the supply of small compact Bibles for the troops has been adequate.

Sir J. Grigg

Bibles are not a free public issue to the troops in war-time. Like other kinds of books, Bibles are in short supply, and the Bible Societies which supply a large number of Bibles and Testaments free to members of the Forces are unable to obtain enough copies to meet the demands upon them. A considerable measure of assistance to these Societies in furthering their beneficent work has been afforded by the Departments in a position to help, but the production of Bibles and Testaments is restricted not only by shortage of materials, but also by shortage of certain kinds of skilled labour.