HC Deb 02 December 1942 vol 385 cc1145-6
36. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Information whether he has now inquired into the question of censoring Parliamentary criticism; and with what result?

Mr. Bracken

Yes, Sir, further inquiries have confirmed the accuracy of the reply I gave the hon. Member previously when I said that messages correctly reporting statements made in Parliament are not censored, whether or not they contain criticism of Members of the Government or of anyone else. The instruction to which the hon. Member called attention is one which defines circumstances in which ordinary censors are required to refer outgoing messages for the consideration of a higher authority within their Department. Messages based on proceedings in Parliament are specifically covered by this instruction solely in order to preclude misquotation. Such a precaution has been found quite essential; I have known an occasion when even the words of Mr. Speaker himself have been misquoted in a cable going abroad.

Mr. Shinwell

In view of the explicit nature of the instruction, which relates to censorship of Parliamentary criticism, will my right hon. Friend put hon. Members in possession of the instruction? Will he publish it in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

Mr. Bracken

No, Sir, I will do no such thing. The hon. Member has got hold of a secret document which was given him by somebody who has betrayed his public duty. If I were to publish ah the Regulations made by the censorship, I would give hon. Members more reading than the Beveridge Report supplies.

Mr. Shinwell

But in view of the fact that this document to which my right hon. Friend refers does contain these explicit instructions which affect every hon. Member of this House, will he not publish it in the OFFICIAL REPORT, to show who is right and who is wrong?

Mr. Bracken

It is not a question of seeing who is right and who is wrong. The censorship arrangements must be most clear and explicit. We have to give directions on a large variety of affairs, and I have no intention of publishing the instructions given to censors.

Mr. Shinwell

Is it not obvious that there is some special reason why my right hon. Friend is afraid to publish this in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

Mr. Bracken

I must tell the hon. Member that I am not afraid to publish anything in the OFFICIAL REPORT, but I have certain duties to do, and I intend to discharge them.

Mr. Shinwell

In view of the very unsatisfactory nature of this reply, and in view of my right hon. Friend's refusal to acquaint hon. Members with matters intimately concerning themselves, I ask your permission, Mr. Speaker, to raise this on the Adjournment, when I shall read it out to the House.

Mr. Bracken

Perhaps the hon. Member will tell me where he got it?

Mr. Shinwell

I will not tell you where I got it.