59. Mr. L. WILLIAMSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the South Wales newspapers were repeatedly forbidden by the Censor to publish any account of the sinking of the hospital ship in the Bristol Channel near Swansea by a submarine; what public interest was served by such suppression; whether the "Daily Mail" newspaper, which exclusively published the news on 8th January, had previously received permission to do so; if so, on what grounds was such preferentia1 treatment meted out to this journal; and, if not, what steps the Government intend to take to punish the only newspaper which refused to obey the Censor's orders.?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir G. Cave)My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. In accordance with the instructions of the Admiralty, publication of news regarding this matter was suspended until the facts had been verified, and an official communication could be made to all the Press simultaneously. This communication was issued at mid-day on the 9th. January. The "Daily Mail" on the morning of the 9th published a statement that a hospital ship had been sunk, although the Press Bureau had refused permission for the publication of this statement. I fear that it is not possible to take proceedings against the "Daily Mail," but the action of that newspaper in publishing news which other newspapers had loyally held up, at the request of the Admiralty, 311 has been brought to the notice of the conference of representatives of the newspaper proprietors.
Mr. CHANCELLORHas the right hon. Gentleman considered the advisability, without taking proceedings, of confiscating the type and plant and suppressing this paper?
§ Sir G. CAVERather too late to do that.