Retired Officers (Media Involvement)

HC Deb 24 January 1984 vol 52 cc462-3W

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to ensure that in any future conflict retired officers are required to check with his Department before accepting invitations from the media.

Mr. Stanley

This matter is under consideration in the context of the Government's response to the recommendations of the study group on censorship.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is issuing new guidelines to senior officers at the time of their retirement about their obligations before appearing in the media.

Mr. Stanley

I have no plans at present to do so.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to receive the special study he commissioned from King's College, London, on the issue of speculation in the media by retired officers about the progress of military operations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Stanley

The study into the quality of unofficial commentary during the Falklands campaign and the extent to which this affected the conduct of operations is expected to be submitted to the Department in mid-1984.