§ 21. Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that the work done by the Travellers' Censorship Office, in enabling ship's documents and bills of lading to accompany a ship clearing with exports, is essential; whether he can assure the House that this essential work will continue; and whether he has any statement to make regarding the censorship of Icelandic and Faröes mails?
Mr. CooperThe scrutiny of the ship's documents is a matter for the senior naval officer at the port and not for the censorship. Bills of lading and similar papers not sent by post are a matter for the security officer at the port, who may consult the censorship if he considers it necessary. The importance of the work is fully realised. The reply to the last part of the Question is in the negative.
§ Mr. GibsonAre we to understand that there will be speedy censorship of these documents and other letters which are necessary to accompany export consignments?