HC Deb 18 December 1946 vol 431 cc402-3W
120. Mr. Pritt

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what practice he follows in relation to addresses on political subjects to German prisoners of war in this country; who presides at such meetings; what steps are taken to prevent political attacks at such meetings on Allied Governments or administrations; and whether, and on what conditions, the Press is allowed to attend and report such meetings.

Mr. J. Hynd

These addresses are given by lecturers employed part-time by the Control Office for Germany and Austria and by specialists and well-known individuals invited to address particular groups of prisoners. In all cases the prisoners understand that the lecturer is representing his own point of view as a private individual. The addresses given by part-time lecturers form part of a curriculum and a synopsis is approved in each case. Wherever possible a member of the British staff acts as chairman.

No prior approval is given to the text of lectures by specialists or well-known individuals but they are asked to treat their subject objectively. In these cases a member of the British staff always acts as chairman and if anything were said which could be construed as a political attack on Allied Governments or administrations the chairman would intervene. The Press are allowed to attend and report all such meetings.