HC Deb 31 July 1940 vol 363 c1218
16. Mr. Davidson

asked the Minister of Information whether he will issue instructions prohibiting the photographing of prominent local councillors, provosts or lord provosts, at military inspections of British, French or Polish soldiers, appearing in films in all parts of the country, as this gives away the location of units?

Mr. Cooper

Films and photographs of troops which also contain photographs of lord provosts, provosts and other well-known citizens, when submitted for censorship, are carefully considered in consultation with the Service advisers. Their release for publication depends on whether the troops are in transit or not.

Mr. Davidson

Might I ask the Minister to make inquiries with regard to a recent inspection of Polish troops? Is he aware that the presence of a prominent head of the local administration indicated where the inspection took place to many members of the audience in a different town?

Mr. Cooper

I shall be very glad to consider that.