§ 46. Mr. Manderasked the Prime Minister in what instances, in addition to the case of the recent Paramount news reel, action has been taken by the Government to ask for the removal of parts of cinema films on political grounds?
§ The Prime MinisterI am not aware of any instances in which the removal of parts of cinema films has been asked for by the Government on political grounds.
§ Mr. ManderThen there is no precedent for the request recently made to the American Ambassador to take action on those lines?
§ The Prime MinisterNo such request has been made.
§ Mr. ManderBut is it not the case that the Chancellor of the Exchequer said quite clearly last week that he had got into touch with the American Ambassador and asked for the removal of certain items?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonWill the Prime Minister inquire and make certain whether the headquarters of his own political party do not take a hand in this unofficial censorship?
§ Mr. ManderDo I understand the Prime Minister to say that the Government exercised no pressure of any kind whatever to ask the American Ambassador to get these items withdrawn?
§ The Prime MinisterThe attention of the American Ambassador was drawn to certain items, and he was asked to look into the matter.
§ Mr. ManderIs the Prime Minister aware that I shall call further attention to this and other matters next Wednesday?