HC Deb 05 March 1917 vol 91 cc27-8
50. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Prime Minister at what date, if any, Parliament empowered the Press Censor to issue confidential rules never submitted to Parliament and bearing no reference to the statutory authority, if any, on which they are based; if he will state the authority for the rule that nothing shall appear in any part of the published portion of a censored article or other Press matter to indicate that words or passages have been cut out or otherwise censored; and, if this rule is in accordance with law, why has it been issued confidentially?

Sir G. CAVE

The Press Censor's duty is to enforce, so far as he is able, those Regulations under the Defence of the Realm Act which deal with publications in the Press. In pursuance of that duty he from time to time issues requests and instructions to the Press for their guidance and protection. These requests and instructions are issued confidentially because that course is in the national interest and tends to make the censorship more effective.

Mr. GINNELL

The Home Secretary has omitted the specific Act under which this was done.

Sir G. CAVE

It is done for the reason I have given in the answer.

Mr. GINNELL

But the Statute under which it is done?

Sir G. CAVE

There is no Statute, and none is required.

Mr. GINNELL

Then they are acting without the law.