HC Deb 02 November 1948 vol 457 cc661-2
23. Mr. Douglas Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the "Sunday Ghibli," which carries a statement that it is printed and published by the Government printers, British Military Administration, Tripolitania, is a paper sponsored by His Majesty's Government.

Mr. Shinwell

The paper mentioned is privately produced, but printed by the British Military Administration Press, which is the only printing press in Tripolitania. The paper is not sponsored in any way by His Majesty's Government.

Mr. Marshall

Arising out of the Minister's reply, may I ask him whether he does not consider that the present wording at the top of the paper is most misleading? Secondly, is he aware that 15 per cent. of the profits of the paper go to the Government?

Mr. Shinwell

No, the producers of the paper pay the Administration the cost of the printing, and that is quite natural; hon. Members would not wish it to be otherwise. As for the heading on the paper, if the hon. Member refers to the title, which is the "Sunday Ghibli," I do not know what it represents.

Mr. Marshall

Arising out of that, may I be allowed to put this question to the Minister, Mr. Speaker? The Minister knows perfectly well that I am not referring to that phrase. Already in my Question I have put the exact words used in the case of that paper, which I think hon. Members of this House will consider are most misleading.

Mr. Shinwell

If the hon. Member refers to that part of his Question where it is alleged that it is printed and published by the Government printers, all I can say is that, according to the information supplied to me, the paper does not belong to us, it is not published by us; it is merely printed by us and we receive payment.

Mr. Sydney Silverman

Is not this paper, like every other paper, bound by law to carry upon its face an imprint showing where it is printed and published? If that is so, what is there misleading about this one?

Mr. Shinwell

I did not know there was anything misleading about it, and I am grateful to my hon. Friend.