HC Deb 21 November 1916 vol 87 cc1198-9
29. Mr. ASHLEY

asked why the Censor allowed Canadian and American news papers to enter this country, and to be sold here, containing photographs of the tanks, in view of the fact that the same authority has prohibited, and is prohibiting, British newspapers from publishing photographs of these same engines of warfare?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

The publication of photographs of tanks is prohibited at the express request of those responsible for their production and their use. My hon. Friend raises quite another question when he suggests that the entrance of Canadian and American papers into this country should be stopped. The appearance of photographs, probably derived from enemy sources, in such papers is scarcely a sufficient justification for taking the course my hon. Friend recommends.

Mr. ASHLEY

May I inquire why Americans, neutrals, and Germans are allowed to see these photographs, and we not allowed to see them? That is the point! It is not a question of stopping American newspapers.

Mr. HOGGE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why when Americans have seen them, when Canadians have seen them, and when the Germans have both seen and felt them, that we cannot see them?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I have seen some of these American photographs, and they bear absolutely no relation to the actual machine.