HC Deb 16 February 1883 vol 276 cc173-4
MR. O'DONNELL

asked the Under Secretary of State for India, If it is true that Mr. Grant Duff, the Governor of Madras Presidency, punished the proprietor of a local newspaper by withdrawing the Government advertising from him; and, whether the grant or withdrawal of Government advertising is systematically used to influence newspapers in India?

MR. J. K. CROSS

It is true that the advertisements were withdrawn by the Madras Government from a local newspaper which had published a confidential Memorandum by the Governor. This action was taken by the Government of Madras in accordance with the terms of a Resolution published in 1865, defining the conditions on which official Papers should be communicated to the Press. In reply to the second part of the hon. Member's Question, I have no reason to believe that the grant or withdrawal of Government advertising is systematically used to influence newspapers in India.

MR. O'DONNELL

Did the Resolution of 1865, to which the hon. Gentleman refers, convey any instructions as to the withdrawal of Government advertising?

MR. J. K. CROSS

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will give Notice of that Question.

MR. ONSLOW

Is the hon. Gentleman quite certain that the Memorandum in question was confidential? Upon what authority does he say that it is?

MR. J. K. CROSS

On the authority of the India Office.