§ 6. Mr. LYNCHasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the importance of establishing between this country and the United States complete confidence and cordial relations, he will advise the abolition or modification of the present censorship on news?
§ Lord R. CECILI do not think that there is any reason to suppose that the censorship as now exercised in regard to Press messages to the United States of America is at all likely to interfere with the confidence and cordial relations between the two countries The censorship is established for military reasons and its abolition or modification cannot be recommended except on military grounds.
§ Mr. LYNCHMay I ask if the Noble Lord heard the Prime Minister remark the other day that it was necessary there should be the freest interchange of opinion?
§ Lord R. CECILI do not think there is anything inconsistent in what I have just said and what the Prime Minister said.
§ 8. Mr. LYNCHasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether news which has already been passed by the Censor in regard to circulation in this country is liable to a further censorship before publication in Australia; and whether, in view of the importance of maintaining complete mutual confidence, he will advise the relaxation of the regulations of the Censor with reference to Australia, and encourage a free draught of public opinion, to and from, between this country and the Dominions generally?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Steel-Maitland)Telegrams received in Australia are subject to censorship there. I see no reason for suggesting any alteration of the existing system.
§ Mr. LYNCHBut the question specifically asks, is there a censorship in addition to the censorship exercised with reference to this country?
§ Mr. STEEL-MAITLANDIn reference to what the hon. Member is asking, at any rate reports of proceedings in this House are not subject to any censorship.
§ Mr. LYNCHYes, but that is only part of the question. I ask a specific question, and I ask for a precise answer. In addition to the censorship exercised with regard to news in this country, is there a censorship intervening before that news reaches Australia?
§ Mr. STEEL-MAITLANDI will make quite certain and let the hon. Member know.