blondie , your Questions from readers as you rightly state is from 2003 ?
I believe this is just another example of the G.B.speaking out of both sides of there mouth .Doublespeak.
I`m going back to the period of 1960-1993 the time I was a JW in Australia .
And it was definetely told to us that swearing on the bible was a no-no. back then.
Matthew 5:33-37 was used to support that belief ,particulary vs 37 which states
" just let your word yes mean yes your no no for what is in excess of these is from the wicked one "
If any other Australian has a different view on that in the time period stated by all means correct me.
smiddy