HC Deb 25 May 1939 vol 347 cc2491-2
45. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the monopoly control exercised by certain persons over the Press; and as the exercise of this control is prejudicial to national interests and to supplying the public with accurate information of current events, he will consider issuing to the public a weekly news-sheet giving an authoritative report?

Sir J. Simon

The standard of accuracy with which news is presented in responsible sections of the Press is happily high. While it is most desirable that the same high standard should be universally observed, this object would not, in my right hon. Friend's view, be attained by adopting the suggestion of my hon. Friend.

Mr. De la Bère

Does my right hon. Friend realise the value of propaganda throughout the world and how desirable it is that British official statements should clear up misunderstandings in all parts of the world so that other countries may know what we really feel in this country and not what individuals want them to think we feel? As my right hon. Friend does not reply, may I assume that he agrees with me?

Sir J. Simon

I think that the considerations to which my right hon. Friend referred are well understood, but there is a great deal to be said for a free Press.

Mr. Mander

Is it not the case that when the Government have taken upon themselves the responsibility of issuing a statement it is often proved to be singularly inaccurate?

Mr. Edwards

Is it not a fact mat two certain gentlemen who are dictators in certain countries in Europe have an absolute monopoly of the Press in this country and can do anything they like in the way of propaganda in that Press, whereas this country cannot get a line in their Press. Will the right hon. Gentleman consider that aspect?

Sir J. Simon

I take it that the hon. Gentleman means that they have a monopoly of the Press in their own countries?

Mr. Edwards

No, in this country. Every day the dictators can get everything they want in the way of propaganda published freely in this country.

Mr. Garro Jones

Do we understand that when the right hon. Gentleman refers to a free Press he means freedom from the control of the Government, and not a Press which is in the hands of two or three private individuals?