HC Deb 23 November 1916 vol 87 c1553
8. Mr. T. M. HEALY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the Censor has stopped, in transit to America, "The Life of the Mother of Henry the Eighth," by Father Hannon, published by Talbot and Company, London; and will he see that works having no bearing on the War are not held up?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)

I have no doubt that this book was stopped because the sender had not obtained a permit for the dispatch of printed matter to America. Works having no bearing on the War are commonly selected, in preference to other works, by persons desiring to use printed matter as a means of secret communication.

Mr. HEALY

Surely with the London publisher within arm's length of this House, it is not suggested that this gentleman is sending communications to America?

Mr. FORSTER

I do not think we can make an exception to the general rule in favour of a particular individual.

Mr. HEALY

Can we not post a book to America without the leave of the Censor?

Mr. FORSTER

Not without getting a permit.