§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what advice and assistance was sought of his Department during the production of the British Broadcasting Corporation film "Tumbledown"; what assessment was made of the extent to which the proposed portrayal of the treatment of Lieutenant Robert Lawrence following his wounding during the Falklands war was(a) accurate and (b) in conformity with standard military procedure; what representations he has received on this matter; what action has been taken as a result; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanAt an early stage, the BBC sought assistance in making the drama "Tumbledown" and gave the MOD a copy of the playwright's script and asked for facilities including permission to film within MOD establishments and for equipment, aircraft and helicopters to be made available. The BBC was told, however, that the326W MOD was unhappy about the script mixing fact with fiction and that it could cause offence to individuals who would consider themselves portrayed and who had no means of defending themselves or their reputations. Since the BBC were adamant the script was a work of drama and were unwilling to consider any rewriting, the MOD declined to offer any assistance with "Tumbledown'. and, consequently, made no detailed analysis of how accurately the script reflected events or military procedures. There has been no further contact with the BBC on the subject. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received two letters from private individuals expressing concern that "Tumbledown" might misrepresent actual events.