HC Deb 20 May 1942 vol 380 cc237-8
64. Sir W. Davison

asked the Minister of Supply the circumstances under which he has prohibited the continued publication of the Channel Islands "Monthly Review" whether he is aware of the distress which this decision has caused among some 30,000 of our fellow countrymen from the Channel Islands who are refugees it this country; and whether he will reconsider the matter?

65. Sir Robert Bird

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that the termination of the publication, by his Department, of the Channel Islands "Monthly Review," is felt keenly by the many thousands of evacuees from the Channel Islands, widely scattered throughout the country, whom it linked together; and will he state the grounds on which his Department declined to grant a licence for the supply of paper to this periodical, circulating to British subjects, whilst periodicals circulating to friendly aliens, first published after August, 1940, are able to continue publication?

Sir A. Duncan

It has been necessary to refuse permission to publish many new periodicals, including a number for circulation among persons in the Forces or affected by the war. I understand, however, that the case of the Review to which the Questions refer is being further investigated.

Sir W. Davison

While I thank the Minister, will he bear in mind the serious hardships being suffered by these 30,000 refugees who are here, and that such a very small amount of paper was used in their monthly gazette? Also, having regard to the large quantity of paper we get on a lot of trivial matters, does he not think that an exception might well be made here?

Sir A. Duncan

I think an accommodation might well be found on this matter, but it is wonderful how the magazine has grown in volume.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Would the Minister consider suspending the publication of "Vogue" and giving the paper to this publication?

Sir R. Bird

Is the Minister aware that 30,000 British exiles are feeling that discrimination is being practised against this publication in that no less than nine publications in the interests of Allies and friendly aliens in this country continue to circulate?

Sir A. Duncan

I can assure the hon. Member that no discrimination has been exercised, but care does need to be taken to see that these things do not grow to undue proportions. I have no doubt that an accommodation will be found.