HC Deb 09 October 1939 vol 352 cc27-8
43. Brigadier-General Spears

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give instructions to the censorship Department that the practice of confiscating British newspapers and books in the possession of travellers to France should cease, especially in the case of newspapers which are on sale on French bookstalls?

Sir V. Warrender

Newspapers or books can be used as a means of conveying information, and to allow them to be taken out of the country by hand would be to allow an evasion of the censorship.

Brigadier-General Spears

Surely some means can be found where people can take with them books and papers that they are actually reading? What difference can it make?

Sir V. Warrender

If my hon. and gallant Friend will advise me of any particular difficulty I will certainly consider it.