HC Deb 22 March 1944 vol 398 cc852-3
44. Sir Irving Albery

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport if the restriction at present imposed upon the publication of the Accounts and Annual Reports of Public Utility Corporations under Defence Regulation 56 can now be withdrawn.

Mr. Noel-Baker

The restrictions imposed by my Noble Friend on the publication of accounts and other documents apply only to certain statutory transport undertakings and to lighthouses. His directions allow authorised persons either to receive copies of these accounts and documents, or to inspect them. The security reasons for the direction still hold good, and I regret, therefore, that the restrictions cannot be withdrawn.

Sir Herbert Williams

Can my hon. Friend say in what way non-publication of transport undertakings' accounts enables this country to conceal the routes of our railways from the enemy?

Mr. Noel-Baker

It is not a question of routes but of the traffic that passes and I must take the advice of the security authorities, who hold strongly that this would reveal information of military importance to the enemy.

Sir H. Williams

But as the railway lines are full of traffic what difference does it make? Is it not rather childish?