HC Deb 12 May 1943 vol 389 cc624-5
54. Mr. Minder

asked the Minister of Supply the conditions under which paper was supplied to the British Union for Abolition of Vivisection for the purpose of attacking on large placards throughout the country the Government's diphtheria immunisation campaign; and what is the quantity involved?

Sir A. Duncan

I have been unable to trace that any paper has been licensed specifically for these placards, but I am making further inquiries into the matter.

Mr. Mander

Will the Minister let me know as soon as he has taken action?

Sir A. Duncan

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Buchanan

Can we be assured that no penalty will be attached to this body because they hold certain opinions?

Sir A. Duncan

I have already explained on a number of occasions that the Ministry of Supply do not apply censorship of any kind.

Mr. Mander

But does not the Minister think that a rather excessive amount of paper is being used for the purpose of attacking the war-time policy of the Government and the health of the nation?

Sir A. Duncan

So long as our own rules are observed we have no status.

Mr. Hogg

Will my right hon. Friend bear in Blind that bodies like the Oxford University Press have no paper for essential printing while this sort of thing is going on?

Mr. Stephen

Is not a rather excessive amount of paper being allowed for the Government's bogus campaign on immunisation?

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