Mr. POINTERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he could state the reason why the distribution of newspapers previously ordered was allowed to ships, offices, and residences at Devonport dockyard, whilst the privilege of distributing newspapers previously ordered to the workmen in the dockyard before the commencement of work was denied; whether he would inform the House why the "Liberal Monthly" could be distributed in large quantities in the dockyard, whilst the "Labour Leader" was debarred under exactly the same circumstances; and whether he was prepared to end this discrimination by allowing the distribution of all newspapers before the commencement of work?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAs I informed my hon. Friend on 6th November, news-vendors are not allowed in the dockyards for the purpose of selling newspapers or other literature. What is allowed is the delivery to ships, offices, and residences of newspapers which have been previously ordered. Whilst I think such distribution to people living in and about the yards reasonable, I am not prepared to accept the suggestion that such distribution should also be made to the workmen at the commencement of their work. As I have already stated, I have no knowledge whatever of any discrimination either in favour of or against any newspaper.
Mr. POINTERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the past practice has been to allow workmen who had previously ordered their papers to receive them, and to pay the account at the weekend in the ordinary way? For what reason has that practice been interfered with?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI will look into the whole matter, and communicate with the hon. Member.
§ Mr. HARRY LAWSONAre the "Liberal Monthly" and the "Labour Leader" papers at all, or only magazines?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe hon. Gentleman is as well qualified as I am to answer that question.