HC Deb 20 May 1941 vol 371 cc1386-7
43. Major Vyvyan Adams

asked the Minister of Information what is the policy underlying the deliberate non-publication of news revealing injury to beautiful and historic buildings in London; and whether he is aware that such publication, so far from causing despondency, would pro mote the resolution of the British people to attain final and complete victory?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information (Mr. Harold Nicolson)

Reference to any individual site recently injured by air bombardment is forbidden on security grounds. It is the practice to relax this rule in the case of some buildings of historic or national importance within a short time of the event.

Major Adams

But in view of official silence on this matter, and as neighbouring objectives have been hit, may I ask my hon. Friend whether the broken Crusaders in Temple Church do not appeal to his imagination?

Mr. Nicolson

Certainly, Sir.

Sir H. Williams

What grounds for security are there in publishing at an early moment the fact that the Houses of Parliament have been damaged and declining information about other buildings? What is the policy? Is it right or wrong?

Mr. Nicolson

It is not a question of policy; it is a question of common sense. We wish to give just as much information as we possibly can without giving information to the enemy.

Sir H. Williams

What common sense is there in telling the Germans where they have dropped bombs?

Mr. Speaker

That is a matter of opinion.