asked the Minister of Information why he has decided only to support the rally of the National Council for British-Soviet Unity on the occasion of the anniversary of the Anglo-Soviet Alliance; and whether he will on similar occasions in future consult with other bodies interested in Anglo-Soviet friendship?

At the request of the Bishop of Chelmsford and the hon. and gallant Member for Ayr Burghs (Sir T. Moore), the Ministry agreed to assist this rally by giving advice and arranging for a film record of the proceedings to be taken for sending to Russia. In answer to the second part of the Question, the Ministry is always willing to consider similar requests from other bodies and to give assistance where it is in the public interest to do so.

Is the Minister aware that on page 16 of the National Executive's report to the Labour party's conference this body is listed as being under Communist influence, and will he in future consult with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Dominions before he makes a similar decision?

I do not think there is any cause for me to consult my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Dominions. This meeting is fostered by two Conservative Members of this House, by a flock of bishops, by a number of eminent Liberals and by a large number of orthodox Labour people.

Is there any similar society in Russia such as "Britain To-day" which is boosting Great Britain and the Anglo-Soviet Alliance? If not will he take steps to secure reciprocity in boosting?

There is, of course, a society for cultural relations in Russia, and the Ministry of Information has become responsible for starting a newspaper in Russia. I am not optimistic enough to hope that we can at once fulfil all the desires of my hon. and gallant Friend, but we can try.

asked the Minister of Information whether his attention has been drawn to the contents of a publication called "Review of World Affairs," dated 1st June, 1942; whether he is aware that its contents are of a definitely defeatist character and calculated to create misgivings in the minds of the people who read it of the assistance that can be given in the war by Russia; and what steps he is prepared to take to counteract the anti-Ally propaganda of this publication?

Yes, Sir. My attention has been drawn to the contents of this publication. I think that the achievements of our Ally Russia can safely be left to speak for themselves, and I do not think that I need to set out to counteract the opinions of the few people who seek to belittle the Russian war effort.

As the names of several Members of this House and of the other House appear on the heading of this Review, will it not attain in this country a considerable amount of false influence with people who think that this is being done virtually by the authority of Members of Parliament?

I cannot accept that assumption. If the names of Members of Parliament are connected with a newspaper, that does not give the newspaper any right to be looked upon as a second sort of Hansard. It is a great pity really to criticise expressions of opinion. I do not like this publication at all, but this House is constantly beating the Government up for their attempts at censorship, and it is strange that when Members see something they do not like they want it censored and, on the other hand, they want to give expressions of opinion that are not sometimes acceptable to other people.