HC Deb 18 April 1940 vol 359 cc1127-8
86. Mr. Vernon Bartlett

asked the Minister of Information what steps are envisaged to prevent information of military importance from being taken across the border from Northern Ireland to Eire, and thence by the German diplomatic bag from Dublin to Berlin?

87. Mr. A. Edwards

asked the Minister of Information whether he is satisfied that adequate precautions are taken to prevent information of value to the enemy passing to the German Legation in Eire via Northern Ireland; and whether he will make a considered statement upon the report recently submitted to him making allegations of neglect in this respect?

Sir J. Reith

All practicable steps are being taken to ensure that information of value to the enemy is not transmitted to Germany from any part of the United Kingdom, and the position is constantly under review.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

Are not these Questions a grave reflection on Ulster?

Mr. Edwards

Were the statements contained in the article submitted to the Minister well founded?

Sir J. Reith

I have seen the article to which the hon. Member refers, but I am sorry I am not able to say anything more than I have said.

Mr. Edwards

Is the Minister in a position to deny the statements made in that article? [Interruption.] On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. May I have an answer to that Question?

Mr. Speaker

The Minister need not give an answer if he considers it is not in the public interest to do so.

Mr. Edwards

Further to my point of Order. Was that the Minister's reply? I did not hear it. I should like to know whether you answered the Question for the Minister, or whether that is the Minister's answer.

Mr. Speaker

I was answering the hon. Member on a point of Order. I was not answering a Question for the Minister, and I hope he will not take it that I was doing so.

Mr. Craven-Ellis

Will my right hon. Friend take steps to prevent the employment of aliens at Southampton Docks?

Mr. Garro Jones

Is the Minister aware that 88,000 telegrams are sent from this country to foreign countries every week, and is he satisfied that the measures to prevent leakage by that channel are complete?

Sir J. Reith

Yes, Sir. I think I may say that the measures to prevent leakage by that channel are, to all intents and purposes, complete.