HC Deb 24 January 1945 vol 407 cc807-8
34. Mr. G. Strauss

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty on what principle the selection of newspapers and periodicals distributed to ships of the Royal Navy through the "Charity Mail" is made; and which papers are accepted and which banned.

Mr. Alexander

The packets of newspapers and periodicals, sometimes unofficially referred to as the "Charity Mail," are distributed to the Fleet with the object of providing recreational reading matter for personnel in His Majesty's Ships. They comprise 16 weekly, 3 monthly and 2 quarterly publications, selected from amongst those which are considered likely to have the widest popular appeal.

Mr. Strauss

May I ask whether there is any political discrimination in the papers that are supplied, and whether some are banned because it is thought that their politics are not favourable? Is there any political discrimination whatsoever?

Mr. Alexander

No, Sir.

Mr. Sorensen

Is there any Co-operative paper in this arrangement?

Mr. Alexander

I am not aware of one.

Several hon. Members

rose—

Mr. Speaker

There is an extraordinary tendency to-day to debate every Question. We have spent three-quarters of an hour and have only got to Question 34.

Mr. Strauss

In the second part of my Question, I asked for the names of periodicals. Could the right hon. Gentleman publish them in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

Mr. Alexander

Certainly. I have given the number, but they would take some time to read out.

Following are the publications:

Weekly:

Monthly:

Quarterly: