HC Deb 17 April 1940 vol 359 cc942-3
9. Mr. Aneurin Bevan

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why permission was given, on April 9th, for the publication of false reports of the landing of British troops in certain Norwegian ports?

31. Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware of the serious effect on public opinion, in this and foreign countries, of the passing for publication on 9th April of the false news of the landing of British troops in certain Norwegian ports; and whether he can explain the action of the Ministry in the matter?

Sir V. Warrender

I have been asked to reply also to Question 31. The British Press, unlike that of the enemy, is not subject to Government control. The newspapers in this country remain individually responsible for the accuracy of the news they publish, and also for the prominence assigned to any items culled from the foreign Press. The Admiralty is always willing to give unofficial advice, but if, as in this case, some of the Press choose to disregard the advice given, the responsibility does not rest with us.

Mr. Bevan

Was it not the responsibility of the Admiralty, while not suppressing this information, to issue a denial, so that false hopes would not be raised in the country with the result of unfortunate emotional reactions afterwards? Surely the hon. Gentleman realises that very high feeling has been created by these reports?

Sir V. Warrender

Perhaps I may tell the hon. Gentleman that it is a very common dodge on the part of the enemy to spread abroad wholly or partially false reports, and that an official denial may well provide the enemy with information which he is anxious to get but cannot secure. It is for this reason, among others, that it is not the practice of the Admiralty to issue official denials of rumours.

Mr. Strauss

Is it not a fact that, on this occasion, the Admiralty were approached by some papers, specifically the "Daily Herald," and asked whether they might publish this, and that the Admiralty told them that they could publish it on that day?

Sir V. Warrender

It is perfectly true that the "Daily Herald" and certain other organs of the Press did approach the Press Department in the Admiralty. They were told by the officers of the Press Department that they should treat these reports with reserve. Bearing in mind the considerations which I gave to the House just now, I think that that was the right policy for the Admiralty to follow.

Sir H. Williams

Did the "Daily Herald" also approach the Admiralty in relation to the very comprehensive details published in yesterday's edition of that paper with regard to the sailing of an expeditionary force to Norway?