Current Affairs Pamphlet

Oral Answers to Questions — British Army – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 4 Tachwedd 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Thomas Scollan Mr Thomas Scollan , Renfrewshire Western 12:00, 4 Tachwedd 1947

asked the Secretary of State for War why the booklet Current Affairs, No. 34, of 9th August, was withdrawn from circulation amongst the Forces.

Photo of Colonel Sir Alan Gomme-Duncan Colonel Sir Alan Gomme-Duncan , Perth

asked the Secretary of State for War on what grounds a pamphlet on Scottish Affairs, written by Mr. George Blake and recently published by the Bureau of Current Affairs, was considered by the War Office to be unsuitable for discussion in the Army; and on whose authority the decision was made.

Photo of Mr Emanuel Shinwell Mr Emanuel Shinwell , Seaham

The pamphlet "Scottish Affairs" was considered unsuitable for use in compulsory discussions in the Army because it contained passages which might well have led to a discussion of party politics, which is forbidden in such discussions.

Photo of Mr Thomas Scollan Mr Thomas Scollan , Renfrewshire Western

Has the Minister seen the offending pamphlet, which deals exclusively with the case for Scottish Home Rule?

Photo of Mr Emanuel Shinwell Mr Emanuel Shinwell , Seaham

I have in fact seen the alleged offending passage, and, if I may say so, it is highly controversial.

Photo of Major Guy Lloyd Major Guy Lloyd , Renfrewshire Eastern

Is it not a fact that almost every issue throughout the war, and since, of the Bureau of Current Affairs has been highly controversial, and very political?

Photo of Mr Emanuel Shinwell Mr Emanuel Shinwell , Seaham

I would not care to accept that statement.