HC Deb 08 June 1939 vol 348 cc580-1
27. Mr. Riley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is now able to publish a list of organisations in this country carrying on political propaganda and receiving financial assistance from abroad; and, if so, can he state the amount received in each case during the past three years?

26. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now prepared to issue a list of propaganda organisations in this country financed from abroad?

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir Samuel Hoare)

Careful observation is kept on the activities of any such organisation which are likely to be prejudicial to the welfare of this country, but I am advised that to disclose, in the manner suggested, information as to the source of their finances might result in some of the sources of our information being closed and would, therefore, not be in the public interest.

Mr. Mander

In the event of any individuals feeling genuine doubt as to a particular organisation being of this character or not, would the Home Secretary be good enough to give confidential information to persons who were interested?

Sir S. Hoare

I should certainly be inclined to consider suggestions of that kind.