HC Deb 23 February 1943 vol 387 cc10-2
18. Mr. Astor

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that a specific pledge was given that censorship would only be used for security reasons, he will amend the present rules so as to allow persons to communicate directly with the families of persons who are wounded in so far as facilities for communication are available?

Sir J. Grigg

I think the present rule to which I referred in my answer to my hon. Friend on 9th February was introduced by the military authorities in the Middle East as an administrative regulation for the reasons then explained, and not as a measure of censorship in the technical meaning of that word. As I then said, I propose to adhere to the rule, but if my hon. Friend knows of any case in which it appears to him that the rule has been applied in a manner which goes beyond its intention, perhaps he will send me particulars, so that I can refer the case to the Commander-in-Chief, Middle East, for inquiry.

Mr. Astor

Does my right hon. Friend realise that I am not asking about a particular case but about a principle? We have been told that the censorship is only to be used for security reasons, but it is now being used to censor matters of opinion. Why should the families of soldiers who have been wounded be denied the right to information from friends in the same way as civilian casualties?

Sir J. Grigg

There is only a limited amount of traffic which can be carried by the telegraphic communications from the Middle East, and I have not the slightest doubt that the military authorities are entitled to regulate the priorities of traffic on the various means of communication. Apart from that, I think it creates a good deal of discomfort and grief for relatives if they get information which, possibly, is not accurate, before they get it from official sources.

Mr. Astor

Is my right hon. Friend prepared to say that the information from his official sources is always accurate? Is he aware that I have suggested in the Question that this should be allowed only so far as communications are available?

Sir J. Grigg

I think the information from official sources is, on the whole, a great deal more accurate than that which is sent from private sources.

Mr. Quintin Hogg

Is my right hon. Friend aware that except for this one instance, telegraphic communication is not rationed in any way? Does he not know himself of numerous cases in which the private information which has been sent has been more accurate than the official information? What business is it of the War Office to say what should or should not be told to relatives for reasons other than security?