HC Deb 15 November 1939 vol 353 cc705-6
43. Mr. Lewis

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information whether his attention has been called to the fact that in Peru there are a number of provincial papers which do not pay for any of the usual Press services which supply foreign news; that the only foreign news they get is supplied to them, free of charge, by the German Foreign Office; that though the individual circulation of each paper is small the combined circulation is considerable; and will he take steps to see that these papers are supplied, free of charge, with foreign news by his Department?

Sir E. Grigg

I am aware that German news is offered free of charge to some provincial newspapers in Peru, but it is by no means the case that British news is not available or remains unpublished. For example, the B.B.C. has made arrangements with the news agencies concerned for rebroadcasting, and for republication in the Press, of their news bulletins; and other steps to meet the needs of the smaller papers are under careful consideration.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are many neutral countries where the conditions are substantially such as are described in this question and where German news has a very great advantage, and will he consult with the Post Office and the Air Ministry with a view to the improvement of the air mail service and the cutting of postal rates?

Sir E. Grigg

We are continually trying to improve the communications, but I hope the hon. Gentleman will give me an example of any country that he has in mind.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it takes five or six days for mail material to reach the Balkans, which are of great importance, and it is more than six weeks since this question was raised in the Advisory Council, and that very little has been done?

Sir E. Grigg

Communications with the Balkans are being steadily improved.

Mr. Macquisten

Is my hon. Friend not aware that German news is more interesting because it has no connection with the facts?

Mr. MacLaren

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in almost every case where German propaganda is carried to other countries, it is sent in the language known to the people in the country to which it is sent, and that it is sent in that condition from Germany to those countries—I mean, that it is not sent in the German language and translated there?

Sir E. Grigg

If the hon. Member is suggesting that we do not use the language of the countries to which this news goes, he is really mistaken.

Mr. MacLaren

I beg to differ.