HC Deb 29 September 1939 vol 351 c1618W
Mr. Lyons

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether he can make any statement with reference to the release to the Press on 26th September by the Ministry of Information, about 9 o'clock a.m., of a certain piece of information, its cancellation about 10 a.m., and its subsequent further release about 10.30 a.m.; and whether, in view of the difficulties involved in such changes of plan, he can take steps to see that, so far as is possible, in the future a matter of this nature is not subject to such alteration of decision?

Sir E. Grigg

An error on the part of an officer of the Censorship Division led to the premature release of the information to the Press and the circumstances made it essential to correct this error immediately upon its discovery. The information was again released as soon as it was possible to do so. My noble Friend greatly regrets this error and the inconvenience which it caused to the Press. It is hoped that such errors will not be repeated as the Censorship staff gain in experience and my hon. Friend can rest assured that everything possible is being done to prevent any repetition.

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