HC Deb 12 October 1939 vol 352 cc553-4W
Mr. Lyons

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will make a statement with reference to the release at 3.40 p.m. on the 9th October of a certain Admiralty item of news, its cancellation at about 3.50 and its subsequent re-release about 4.10; and what steps are being taken to obviate any further occurrence of such circumstances?

Mr. Shakespeare

On the occasion of the recent visit of His Majesty the King to the Home Fleet a Press report appeared concerning awards made to naval personnel. The Admiralty issued a statement denying the truth of the report but unfortunately owing to a mistake this denial was cancelled. Immediate action was taken to rectify this mistake and to prevent a similar occurrence in the future,