§ 23. Mr. de Rothschildasked the Postmaster-General the reason for the delay, in some cases over a fortnight, in the delivery of foreign and especially American newspapers to this country; and whether, in view of the importance of this country being adequately informed of foreign opinion, he will take steps to secure more prompt deliveries in future?
§ Major TryonNewspapers from the United States of America and foreign 14 countries generally are being delivered without delay on arrival in this country; but arrangements for the despatch of the mails are made by the Post Office of the country of origin and the time of transmission naturally depends upon the speed and frequency of the ships selected by that country for the conveyance of its mails.
§ Mr. de RothschildIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman quite certain that newspapers, after their arrival in this country, are not submitted to any censorship here?
§ Major TryonIf the hon. Member refers to United States newspapers, there is at present no censorship. It may interest him to know that for 12 days no mails at all, either letters or newspapers, came from the United States. There was a gap of 12 days, for which the British Post Office is not responsible.
§ Mr. de RothschildThe Ministry of Information in this country is not holding them up?
§ Major TryonNo, this delay of 12 days was due, I understand, to the shipping strike in New York.