HC Deb 20 May 1942 vol 380 c210
10. Mr. Summers

asked the Minister of Information the instructions under which the censorship of letters written between correspondents in England or Wales is carried out?

Mr. Bracken

There is no internal censorship of letters in England or Wales, apart from occasional cases in which letters posted in a particular area are selected for examination as an operational security measure. It would not be in the public interest to disclose the instructions issued on such occasions.

Mr. Summers

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a section of the public which believes that this machinery is used for the suppression of criticism of Ministers and of the Government in general? Will he not agree that that would be an improper use of the machinery in question?

Mr. Bracken

Indeed I should, but, if people believe that, they will believe anything.

Mr. A. Edwards

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to say that it is a coincidence that many letters to Members of the House are opened?

Mr. Bracken

I should say it is a remarkable coincidence.