HC Deb 26 February 1936 vol 309 cc458-9
71. Mr. NEIL MACLEAN

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that on several occasions the American weekly journal "Time" has been censored, that the issue for 10th February has a full half column blotted out on page 18 and pages 19 and 20 torn out; and on whose authority this censorship is exercised, and the reason?

Mr. LLOYD

I have no information on the subject.

Mr. MACLEAN

As the hon. Member knows of nothing having been done by his Department, will he find out who is censoring these papers sent here from America?

Mr. LLOYD

The hon. Member is quite right in thinking it has not been done by my Department. There is no Press censorship by the Government in this country.

Mr. MACLEAN

Will the hon. Member take steps to find out who is tearing pages out of journals and blacking out print—journals which are circulated in this country and for which subscribers have paid?

Mr. LLOYD

I am sure the hon. Member will realise that we cannot be responsible for the action of any private person who does this, but I will certainly make inquiries in order to find out, if I can do so, and let him know.

Mr. MACLEAN

If I send the hon. Gentleman a copy of the paper to which this censorship is being applied, will he take steps to find out who does it?

Mr. LLOYD

If the hon. Member will send it along.

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