§ 21. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Information why the Penguin books, Dr. Shelrankar's "Problem of India" and "Extracts from Hansard," although allowed to circulate in this country, were not allowed to be sent to New York but returned to the sender?
Mr. CooperA postal packet containing the two particular publications to which the hon. Member refers was stopped by the Postal and Telegraph Censorship, in the interest of national security, and in pursuance of their Standing Regulations. "Extracts from Hansard" is not subject to any stop, but any postal packet stopped for other reasons is returned to the sender entire.
§ Mr. SorensenWhy is it assumed in the case of the extract from Hansard that what is not subversive here might be dangerous in America? Are we to assume that "Extracts from Hansard" should not be circulated?
Mr. CooperI have endeavoured to explain in my answer that there is no opposition in regard to "Extracts from Hansard." When a postal packet is stopped, it is returned to the sender entire, and no part is taken out and sent on, but that is the only reason why an "Extracts from Hansard" was sent back.
§ Mr. SorensenDo I understand from that answer that the book "Problem of India" was held to be subversive?
§ Mr. SorensenWhy may it be circulated here and not in America? Might this not have a very bad effect in America?
Mr. CooperI think it is undesirable that this book should be sent out of the country and that it should reach India. The publisher undertook that he would not export the book, and therefore it is obviously right that we should prevent its being exported by other people.