HC Deb 21 January 1942 vol 377 cc372-3W
Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Information the reason why permission to broadcast from Singapore to the United States of America has been refused to Mr. Cecil Brown, of the Columbia Broadcasting Corporation?

Colonel Burton

asked the Minister of Information why Mr. Cecil Brown, the American radio correspondent, was debarred from broadcasting his own independent view of the situation at Singapore; whether he was requested to substitute any statement for his own; did he decline to do so; and whether he can furnish a report of the narrative Mr. Cecil Brown was asked to broadcast?

Mr. George Hall

I have been asked to reply. The military authorities decided to discontinue the status of accredited Press correspondent granted to Mr. Brown, and broadcasting facilities were also withdrawn. This action was taken most reluctantly after consultation with the War Council at Singapore, who considered it essential in the general interest. Action which in normal times would be unnecessary and undesirable may be necessary in special circumstances. While there was no desire to stifle free criticism, it was felt that in the abnormal conditions prevailing, Mr. Brown's comments passed the bounds of fair criticism and were a source of danger. As regards the second, third and fourth parts of the Question of the hon. and gallant Member for Sudbury (Colonel Burton), I have no information on the particular points there raised.

Captain Gammans

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has any statement to make regarding the cancellation of the broadcasting permits in Singapore of Mr. Cecil Brown and Mr. Martin Agronsky, of the Columbia and National broadcasting systems?

Mr. Hall

With regard to Mr. Cecil Brown, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to-day to the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander) and the hon. and gallant Member for Sudbury (Colonel Burton), of which I am sending him a copy. In the case of Mr. Agronsky, I am informed that broadcasting facilities have not been withdrawn.