§ MR. FRESHFIELDasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If his attention has been directed to the blasphemous publication which has appeared as a weekly journal, published in Northampton, under the title of the 233 "Freethinker;" and, whether he intends to take measures with a view to prevent the circulation of such pernicious matter?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTI am sorry to say that my attention has been called to the paper bearing the title to which the hon. Member refers, and I agree that nothing can be more pernicious or more abhorrent to all right-thinking people than publications of this description. But it has, I think, for many years been the view of all responsible persons that more harm than good is done to the public morals by Government prosecutions in eases of this kind, and I think myself they are better left to the reprobation which they will surely meet in this country from all decent members of society.
§ MR REDMONDWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman say if he has power to suppress a paper of this kind?
§ [No answer was given to the Question.]