§ 70. Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Trade under what powers lie excludes newspapers issued in enemy countries from entering these shores; and whether, in view of the advice of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to read what is written and printed in enemy countries, he will now permit the free entry and circulation of enemy newspapers?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Wardle)All persons are prohibited by the Trading With the Enemy Proclamation of 9th September, 1914, from obtaining any goods from an enemy country, and enemy goods, including newspapers, can only be imported by virtue of a licence issued by the Board of Trade. In licensing the importation of enemy newspapers the board are guided by the recommendation of the War Trade Advisory Committee, which considered the whole subject of the importation of literature from enemy countries. Licences are never refused to editors of reputable British newspapers, many of which publish lengthy extracts from enemy journals, and readers are thus enabled to make themselves acquainted with the trend of thought in enemy countries. I will consider in consultation with the Foreign Office whether these facilities need to be enlarged in any respect.
§ Mr. SHERWELLIs it not the fact that extracts from German and other newspapers are published in the British Press to which they are officially supplied by the Government; and is there any reason why the same extracts should not be circulated among Members of this House?
§ Mr. WARDLEExtracts from enemy newspapers which are allowed to be received are circulated.