HC Deb 28 January 1948 vol 446 c975
15. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the editor of the "Hannoversche Presse" was reprimanded for a report in his paper on 6th December referring to a statement made by the hon. Member for Ipswich regarding the 17,000,000 human beings in Russian slave camps; and whether this reprimand was made with his authority.

Mr. McNeil

The editor, I understand, was reprimanded not for the report referred to, but for a headline which was an extract from the speech of my hon. Friend, but which was not shown as a quotation.

Mr. Stokes

Will my right hon. Friend make the Control Commission catch up with history, and issue instructions that now freedom of expression is properly to be allowed, and that the German Press can comment on what goes on inside Pussia?

Mr. McNeil

I did not comment whether it is good or bad history, but I do not think this is very good control, and I mean to examine it further.