Oral Answers to Questions — British Army – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 20 March 1956.
Mr Julian Snow
, Lichfield and Tamworth
12:00,
20 March 1956
asked the Secretary of State for War what instructions were issued by his Department, or by military authorities in the United Kingdom, regarding collaboration with cinematograph exhibitors of the film "Private's Progress."
Sir Fitzroy Maclean
, Lancaster
It is our policy only to co-operate in producing or giving publicity to films which seem likely to help the army and encourage recruiting. "Private's Progress" did not come into that category and collaboration was therefore withheld.
Mr Julian Snow
, Lichfield and Tamworth
Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his military advisers are to be congratulated on their commercial acumen, for without their genius for the ridiculous this film might not be the great financial success that it is?
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
