38. Mr. McNeilasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will ensure that permission is given, in Admiralty works and in works carrying out Admiralty contracts, to distribute or sell papers and periodicals which are permitted to be distributed or sold in other public works.
§ Captain PilkingtonAt premises engaged on essential war production, Departments are authorised, under Defence Regulation 12, to take special security precautions, which include the control of distribution and sale of literature. In some Admiralty establishments which have been declared protected places, the same object is achieved by Regulations which existed prior to the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act, 1939. I am satisfied that these restrictions are necessary in the public interest.
Mr. McNeilWould not the hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that, since the Ministry of Information has its own Press bureau and the Home Secretary takes care of security considerations, there is no justification for what is, in effect, a third censorship mainly directed against trade union periodicals or periodicals of that nature?
§ Captain PilkingtonNo, Sir. These Regulations were made in conjunction with all the other Services and with the security people, and I am satisfied that they are necessary.
Mr. McNeilWill the hon. Gentleman explain why, since there is no reference in the document to protected areas, any considerations of security arise?
§ Captain PilkingtonThe hon. Member will realise that it is largely a question of the distribution of these papers.
Mr. GollacherCan the Minister give the House one case of where the censorship has been applied, except to a trade unionist or Left Wing paper?
§ Captain PilkingtonNot without notice.