HC Deb 17 August 1916 vol 85 c2080W
Sir G. TOULMIN

asked whether advantage has been taken by Government Departments of information obtained from the private correspondence if firms with whom they have business relations; and whether any intimation has been made on any occasion which would have made firms aware that their private letters and telegrams were open to Departments with which they might be in negotiation?

Mr. FORSTER

The fact that a firm has business relations with a Government Department does not influence the Censors in deciding whether or not its correspondence should be referred to the Government Department interested. The question is decided solely by reference to the consideration whether the information contained in the correspondence is likely to conduce to the successful prosecution of the War.