HC Deb 07 April 1914 vol 60 cc1789-91
64. Captain WARING

asked the Attorney-General whether the circular letter issued by the hon. Member for South Shropshire to a non-commissioned officer of the Grenadier Guards and others differs in principle from the handbill distributed by one Crowsley among soldiers at Aldershot; and, if not, will he consult the Public Prosecutor with a view to his deciding whether similar proceedings should be instituted against the hon. Member as were instituted against Crowsley?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir J. Simon)

The terms of the circular referred to, however reprehensible, differ in important respects from the handbill in question; and in view of such differences, I do not propose to consult the Public Prosecutor?

Mr. HUNT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that sergeant-majors have votes? May I ask if there is any law to prevent a Member of Parliament from calling the attention of voters to a letter which appeared in the public Press, the envelope being bought in the usual way at the House of Commons Post Office; may I further ask whether the right hon. Gentleman can say whether the Government will take proceedings to prevent the "Army against the People" being advertised as a party cry?

Sir J. SIMON

I am sorry that I do not think it is possible to deal with all those issues in an answer to a question.

Mr. ROBERT HARCOURT

What are the actual differences between this case and the Crowsley case?

Sir J. SIMON

The most important difference is this: Crowsley was prosecuted for inciting to mutiny because he appealed to those who were serving to disobey orders while they were serving. The hon. Member's letter may perhaps be construed as being an appeal to those who are serving to resign rather than to continue to serve.

Mr. HUNT

Will the right hon. Gentleman not answer my question as to whether there is any law to prevent a Member of Parliament calling the attention of voters whether soldiers or not, to a letter which appeared in the public Press? What harm is there in that?

Sir J. SIMON

If the Member of Parliament had written the letter I should not think he improved it by calling attention to it.