HC Deb 09 October 1939 vol 352 cc4-5
6. Sir Patrick Harmon

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his attention has been called to the dislocation in the export of books in large quantities to the British and Colonial Empire and to the United States of America through the operation of Control of Communications Order (No. 2), which became operative on 25th September last; whether books forwarded by book-post to the British Empire and the United States of America are being forwarded without permit; and whether, in the case of reputable commercial firms, consignments of books in bulk can be granted exemption from the provisions of the order?

44. Sir Richard Wells

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the hardship caused by the restrictions on the import and export of primed books and newspapers to neutral countries; and what action he proposes to take?

The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Sir Victor Warrender)

I have been asked to reply. It will be appreciated that the conveyance of books and newspapers to and from places abroad cannot be allowed, generally, without control and that the best method of control is to confine the channels of conveyance to reputable firms to whom permits are being granted. Owing to the very large number of applications for permits, there has naturally been some initial delay in their issue. In the meantime, books sent by book post to the British Empire and the United States are being forwarded without permits.

Sir P. Hannon

Is the House to understand that there will not be the same difficulty in future where reputable firms are concerned in the granting of permits for the export of books?

Sir V. Warrender

Once the scheme gets going I do not think there will be any difficulty.

Mr. Ridley

Has the hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the fact that publications have been confiscated at the port of embarkation and have been purchasable on the boat after the passengers have embarked? Does not the censorship completely fail in these circumstances?

Sir V. Warrender

I do not think so, because the regulations enforce the expert of books and newspapers only by post, but a person would be getting round that by taking a book out on his person, and thereby convey information which he would otherwise not be able to get out of the country.