HC Deb 26 February 1946 vol 419 cc1749-50
71. Mr. Thurtle

asked the Minister of Information how many copies of each issue of the publication "British Ally," published in Russia in the Russian language, are printed and circulated; if there is any undertaking or understanding that this publication shall not contain anything of a propagandist nature; and how often "British Ally" is published.

Mr. Burke

Fifty thousand copies of each weekly issue of the "British Ally" are printed in Moscow. The Soviet authorities have not imposed any formal conditions with regard to the contents and it is not subject to Soviet censorship.

Mr. Thurtle

Is it not a fact that some time ago this publication was only exempt from censorship on the ground that it contained no propagandist matter, and will the Minister say when that position was changed?

Mr. Burke

I am replying to the question as to what is the present position.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Will the Minister say to whom these copies are circulated and whether or not the circulation is restricted?

Mr. Burke

They are circulated in Moscow by our people. I do not know who receives them.

Mr. Thurtle

Would the Minister say— I think it is a reasonable question—when that condition in regard to the sale of the '" British Ally "subject to the non-publication of propagandist matter was withdrawn?

Mr. Burke

Not without notice.

Mr. Callaghan

Would the Minister bear in mind that this is the only foreign newspaper published in Russia, that its effective circulation is many times greater than 50,000, and that the Ministry of Information have made a jolly fine job of it?