HC Deb 13 July 1944 vol 401 cc1900-1W
Mr. de Rothschild

asked the Secretary of State for War how many British news photographers have so far been accredited to the Normandy front; how many of these have actually left England; how the number of British photographers on this front compares with the number of American photographers; and what steps are being taken to ensure that a satisfactory supply of photographs of British operations in France is made available to the Press of this country, the Empire and Allied countries.

Mr. A. Henderson

Three British Press photographers and three British newsreel cameramen are accredited for service with the Second British Army. All these are in Normandy. I am informed also that two Press photographers and two newsreel cameramen are accredited for service with the R.A.F. Second Tactical Air Force. Of these one photographer is in Normandy and the remainder are due to leave shortly with the groups to which they are already attached. These are, of course, in addition to the service cameramen, British and Canadian Army, and R.A.F. There are at present 12 United States still "pool" photographers and three United States newsreel cameramen with the Allied Forces in Normandy. The United States Army has in addition an Army Photographic Service.

As regards the last part of the Question, during the week ending 11th July the British Army Film and Photographic Service alone sent back 574 still photographs and 15,280 feet of film of British operations in Normandy—an average of 82 still photographs and over 2,200 feet of film a day for world distribution by the Ministry of Information.