§ 81. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why he authorised certain officers to appear in a television programme on 19th November; what was their rank; what prior warning they received of the questions which would be put to them; and whether they gave the answers with his permission.
Mr. WardThe appearance of two majors of the 3rd Commando Brigade, Royal Marines, in this programme was intended to provide for the B.B.C. a short item of topical news interest. A rehearsal took place on the morning of 19th November and steps were taken to ensure that replies given to the questions were strictly factual, non-controversial and consistent with security requirements.