§ 32. Mr. Levyasked the Minister of Information what is the relationship between the Ministry and the Defence Departments in the administration of the censorship; and whether the Defence Departments exercise final authority in deciding what shall be published, and when, on matters that directly concern the Defence Services?
§ Mr. GrimstonIn my right hon. Friend's absence, I have been asked to reply. As was explained by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, in his statement on 3rd October, the responsibility for censorship rests upon the Departments which are concerned with the subject matter.
§ Mr. LevyIf an arrangement is come to between the Defence Departments and the Ministry of Information, will my hon. Friend give an assurance that the decision will be announced in the House of Commons and not by means of a Press communiqué?
§ Mr. GrimstonI am hardly in a position to give that assurance myself, but I will draw the attention of the proper quarters to my hon. Friend's remarks.
§ Mr. G. StraussWill the hon. Gentleman ask the Minister to see that the Defence Departments, on important occasions, such as the events of last week, give the Ministry of Information some positive news and guidance to give to the Press and not just negative news?
§ Commander BowerCan we have some explanation why the Minister is not here to answer these very important Questions?
§ Mr. GrimstonMy right hon. Friend is away on an important engagement, which I understand he could not cancel, and I am sure that he regrets not being able to be here.
§ Mr. Garro JonesCan we be told what the important engagement is?