§ Mr. MORRELLI wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman the Home Secretary a question, of which I have given, him private notice, whether he can give the House any information as to the criminal proceedings against the editor and printers of a newspaper called the "Syndicalist"; whether bail has been refused by the magistrates; whether the houses of the prisoners have been searched by the police and private papers seized; and whether the Government approved of these proceedings?
§ Mr. McKENNAMy hon. Friend only handed me this question after I came down to the House, and I have had no opportunity of making special inquiries on the subject. I regret that I have no information to give him other than has already appeared in the Press.
§ Mr. MORRELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe Home Secretary has told us that he has no information. The hon. Member had better put down any further question.
§ Mr. McKENNAPerhaps I ought to say, in justice to my hon. Friend, that he spoke to me, and that I told him that if I could see the Attorney-General I would endeavour to get further information from him; but I have not been able to see him.
§ Mr. SPEAKERAll the more reason for putting the question down.
§ Mr. MORRELLMay I ask, Sir, whether I will be in order in moving the Adjournment of the House to call attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, the proceedings taken, with the authority of His Majesty's Government, against the editor and printers of a newspaper called the. "Syndicalist," and the grave danger which is involved in these proceedings to the freedom of the Press?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Gentleman has just asked a question and was told that information was not available. He now assumes that his statement is correct. He must wait until he gets information.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODWill not the information be available by 8.15 to-night?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe information is not available for me to judge whether this is a proper Motion or not.