HC Deb 09 September 1942 vol 383 cc134-5
23. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Minister of Information the name of the newspaper which not comply with the Government's request and announced the sinking of H.M.S. "Eagle"; and what action he proposes to take?

21. Mr. Lewis

asked the Minister of Information the name of the newspaper which ignored the request of the Admiralty to withhold publication of the loss of H.M.S. "Eagle," pending the receipt of information as to survivors; and if he will consider suspending the publication of this paper for one day to mark the widespread public resentment at its proprietors' disregard for the feelings of relatives of the ship's company?

Mr. Bracken

The name of the newspaper concerned was the "Daily Express." I have no power to suspend the publication of a newspaper.

Sir W. Smithers

Can the Minister stop this "getting away from Government requirements" in future by suppressing this paper for a month? That would stop all these leakages.

Mr. Bracken

The Ministry of Information is concerned with expression, not suppression.

Mr. Shinwell

Could my right hon. Friend have a word with his friend Lord Beaverbrook?

Mr. Gallacher

Will the Minister advise the "Daily Express" and other national papers to study the columns of the "Daily Worker"?