HC Deb 29 June 1943 vol 390 cc1451-2
24. Mr. Hammersley

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that all public references to the A.27 tank are automatically censored, although he publicly mentioned this tank by name, and frequent references to this tank have since been made in the House of Commons; and will he give instructions to discontinue this item of unnecessary military censorship?

Mr. A. Henderson

There is no objection to the publication of the name A.27, but it is not in the public interest for any information about its characteristics to be given.

Mr. Hammersley

While I appreciate the hon. and learned Gentleman's difficulty in maintaining that the speeches of his right hon. Friend should receive the publicity which they deserve, while at the same time part of them are considered secret, is it not a fact that the military censorship seems to be under the impression that all_criticism of tanks and tank policy should be regarded as secret? Would he institute a more up to date view of this matter?

Mr. Henderson

I think the hon. Gentleman has a Question on our next Sitting Day to the Minister of Information when, no doubt, he will get an appropriate reply.