HC Deb 12 March 1946 vol 420 cc952-3
68. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General, as representing the Ministry of Information, what is the circulation of the publication "British Ally" in Russia, exclusive of its circulation among the diplomatic corps and Soviet Government departments.

Mr. Burke

50,000 copies of the weekly publication "British Ally" are printed in Moscow, of which about 1,500 copies are distributed free to Soviet officials and organisations, to the diplomatic corps in Moscow, and to correspondents. All the remaining copies of "British Ally," with the exception of a few which are sent abroad for information, are distributed by subscription and sale throughout the Soviet Union.

Mr. Osborne

Is the copy subject to censorship before publication?

Mr. Burke

No, Sir. I replied to that on a previous occasion.

Major Lloyd

Would the hon. Gentle-roan consider ensuring that the number of issues of "British Ally" circulating in Russia is the same as the quantity of copies of "Soviet News" and the "Soviet Weekly" circulating in this country?

Mr. Burke

We can consider that in view of the position when the allocation of paper comes to an end.

Mr. Callaghan

Is it not preferable to take every opportunity we can of putting over the British case in the U.S.S.R.?