HC Deb 09 April 1941 vol 370 cc1543-4
18. Captain Cunningham-Reid

asked the Minister Information whether the heads of his Department that deals with photography are people of proved and long experience of publicity?

Mr. Cooper

Yes, Sir

Captain Cunningham-Reid

That being so, why is it that a photograph such as I am holding in my hand at the present moment, showing one German airman trying to carry a wounded comrade at a London railway station, has been allowed to be released? Does it not show to the world an apparent lack of humanity on our part, and that we cannot even supply a stretcher for a wounded airman in London; and, further, is it not the kind of propaganda that is calculated to lay our own prisoners of war open to reprisals?

Mr. Cooper

I have not seen the photograph which the hon. and gallant Member holds in his hand, and therefore I cannot give an opinion concerning it, but I have no reason to suppose that it was a photograph which was issued by the Ministry of Information. We have no power to prevent publication of photographs unless they are likely to give information to the enemy.

Captain Cunningham-Reid

Is there no censorship?

Mr. Deputy-Speaker

The hon. and gallant Member has already asked three supplementary Questions in one.

Back to