MR. YOUNGI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the Report of the Royal Commission on the Liquor Licensing Laws, which was laid upon the Table of the House on Tuesday, 4th instant, appeared in the London Daily News on Wednesday the 5th; as the Report has not yet been issued to Members of the House or the Commissioners, whether this is a breach of privilege or etiquette; and who is responsible for supplying this particular newspaper with a copy of the Report.
§ * SIR M. WHITE RIDLEYYes, Sir, I am aware of the fact stated in the first paragraph Of the question. I do not know who supplied the information to the newspaper, but I do not understand that any breach of privilege was committed. I am informed that a copy of the Report was lying in the library, during the sitting of the House, on the 4th inst., open to the inspection of any Member.
§ MR. FLYNNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the premature publication of Reports of this nature is quite common, and that they frequently are to be found in the London papers before Members see them?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! That does not arise out of the question.