HC Deb 03 April 1940 vol 359 cc153-4
28. Sir P. Hannon

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether strict examination and censor ship is now exercised over publications printed in this country or imported from overseas which, by implication, attack this country and France and distort the facts of war incidents to the advantage of the enemy; and whether appropriate action is being taken to deal with printed matter of this nature?

The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Peake)

It is necessary to draw a distinction between the censorship of publications printed in this country which are submitted voluntarily to the Press Censor in order that information which may be of use to the enemy shall not be published, and the control exercised through the medium of the postal censorship over the importation of publications printed abroad. With regard to anti-war propaganda published in this country I would refer to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave on 21st March to a Question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Epsom (Sir A. Southby). With regard to the second part of the Question, I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Information, who is now respon- sible for postal censorship, that a strict examination and censorship is now exercised over imported publications of the kind referred to and appropriate action is taken to deal with them.

Sir P. Hannon

Is the Home Office quite satisfied that every effort is being made to prevent any information getting out through these stupidly prepared pamphlets put out by peace societies, and is the Home Office satisfied that nothing is being given away that will be hurtful to us and helpful to the enemy?

Mr. Peake

The Home Office keeps a very careful watch on activities of that kind.

Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte

Is it not time that these traitorous societies were suppressed?

Mr. Maxton

Will the Minister watch the OFFICIAL REPORT and Conservative speeches?