§ Mr. John Hallasked the Secretary of State for War why it was necessary to make publicity arrangements to record the enlistment of No. 23604106 Rifleman T. Williams; and what effect he estimates this will have on Army recruiting.
§ Mr. SoamesEnquiries from the Press about Mr. Williams' National Service began last August and continued on and off until he reported at Winchester on 22nd January. On 19th and 20th January about 100 telephone calls were received from the Press, mostly in the form of requests for facilities to record his arrival in the Army. To avoid interference with the work of the depot over a period of time, facilities were given for reporters and photographers to see Mr. Williams arrive and to allow them a fairly free hand during his first afternoon. That was the sole reason for the facilities given. There was no question of publicity being sought by the Army for recruiting purposes.