HC Deb 07 August 1940 vol 364 cc197-8
33. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Information what are the terms of the Control of Communications Order No. 5, 1940, under which a book, named "Guilty Men," was prohibited, on 27th July, from being taken by Mr. John Pudney from Liverpool to the Isle of Man; whether he will state the reason for this, and what other books are on the same index; and in what other parts of Great Britain this Regulation applies?

Mr. Cooper

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Order in question. The relevant provisions which are contained in Part 2 of the Order prohibit the conveyance of printed matter, including books, from any part of Great Britain, except under permit or after examination by the appropriate officer. "Guilty Men" was taken from Mr. John Pudney owing to a misunderstanding and has since been returned to him. No books are at present on the index.

Mr. Mender

Do I understand that no steps have been taken by the Government in any way to prevent the circulation of this book in this country?

Mr. Cooper

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Mander

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that official folly and commercial narrow-mindedness have given this book a tremendous advertisement, and that it has now run into many editions?

Mr. Charles Brown

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to put this book in the Library?

Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

Is the right hon. Gentleman's reference to the removal of a misunderstanding an acknowledgment that the Government feel that the book is completely accurate?