HC Deb 04 April 1946 vol 421 cc1390-1
48. Captain F. Noel-Baker

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what officials are responsible for the censoring of German civilian mails; what is the purpose of the censorship; and who issues directions to the censors.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. John Hynd)

The censoring of German civilian mail is carried out under the authority of the occupying power in each of the four zones. Its purpose is the detection and prevention of resistance to Allied policy in Germany. In the British zone directions to censors are issued by the British element of the Control Commission.

49. Captain F. Noel-Baker

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to what extent outgoing civilian mail from Austria is subject to censorship; what authorities enforce this censorship and for what purpose; and what directives are issued to individual censors.

Mr. J. Hynd

Civilian mails emanating from Austria are all subject to censorship in accordance with Four-Power Agreement. The censorship is exercised on the authority of the Allied Commission. Its purpose is not to interfere with the free expression of democratic ideas but to detect and prevent subversive activities detrimental to the objects of the Allied occupation or the safety of the Allied troops. Censors are instructed in this sense.

Captain Noel-Baker

Is the Minister aware that allegations have been made by Austrians, both in this country and abroad, that the censorship is being used to suppress political expression, and will he look into that, or is he satisfied at the present time that is absolutely not the case?

Mr. Hynd

I am quite satisfied that there is no attempt to suppress political expression as such, but political expression covers a very wide scope.