HC Deb 19 October 1915 vol 74 cc1617-8
97. Mr. TREVELYAN

asked the Home Secretary whether he can publish, for the information of the House, the rules or series of prohibitions, mentioned in his letter of 11th October, which have been framed for the guidance of the Press Bureau by the War Office, Admiralty, and other Government Departments?

Mr. BRACE

My right hon. Friend is advised that the rules mentioned are confidential, and that it would not be right, in present circumstances, to publish them.

Mr. PRINGLE

Under what rule is Robert Browning amended?

98. Mr. TREVELYAN

asked the Home Secretary whether the Censor suppressed, or attempted to suppress, a letter of Sir Frederick Milner dealing with cases of injustice to ex-soldiers discharged as in capacitated from the Army; and what object was served by this suppression?

Mr. BRACE

The letter referred to contained statements which appeared likely to prejudice recruiting, and as such would be forbidden by Regulation 27, under the Defence of the Realm Act. This has been explained to Sir Frederick Milner. If the complaints in Sir Frederick Milner's letter were well founded, they were matter for appeal to the War Office, which has power to remedy the grievances.

Mr. HOGGE

Can the hon. Gentleman say if the War Office will take any notice, of this if brought to their attention?

Mr. BRACE

My hon. Friend had better ask the War Office.