§ 24. Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the "Westdeutsches Volksecho," of Dortmund, has been banned for six weeks; and if he can give an assurance that objective, factual criticism of the American and British administration is not now being suppressed in the Western zone.
§ Mr. MayhewThe Communist newspaper "Westdeutsches Volksecho" was banned for six weeks for flagrant violation of the Control Council Directive No. 40. This is a quadripartite law designed to prevent the publication of statements aimed at disrupting unity amongst the Allies. Objective factual criticism has always been and always will be allowed in the British zone.
§ Mr. GallacherWill the Minister place in the Library a copy of the particular 1680 issue of which he complains so that hon. Members will be able to see that it published nothing but factual material and factual criticism?
§ Mr. MayhewI am prepared to send the hon. Member a copy and if there is sufficient public demand for it I shall be willing to put one in the Library.