§ 20. Mr. HUNTasked the Solicitor-General whether his attention has been called to an article in the "Irish Volunteer" of Saturday, 7th November, in which it is stated that for Ireland the only chance for her safety and national honour was to cut herself free from the last tie which bound her people to English Imperialism, and that the only path to a glorious and happy Ireland was through the downfall of the British Empire; whether this paper is organised and financed by the Germans; and can he say whether the Press Censor will continue to allow these sort of articles to be published?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL (Sir Stanley Buckmaster)I cannot say that I have seen the "Irish Volunteer" of the 7th November. I do not know the history and organisation of this paper, nor by whom it is financed. None of the matter referred to was submitted to me. I should certainly not allow articles of the kind mentioned to be published.
§ Mr. WALTER LONGAre the powers of the Censor over newspapers in Ireland identical with those over papers published in the rest of the United Kingdom?
§ Sir S. BUCKMASTERI apprehend that they are, but I am sure that the right 542 hon. Gentleman knows that the powers of the Censor have never been very clearly defined.
§ Mr. LONGI know nothing about the definition of the powers, but in common with the general public I understand that they have been freely exercised in regard to the Press in England and Scotland, and my question is: Are they exercised to the same extent precisely and in the same way in regard to the Press in the whole of the United Kingdom?
§ Sir S. BUCKMASTERMy answer is certainly. But the newspapers of Scotland and England are more immediately under my notice than newspapers in Ireland.
§ Sir S. BUCKMASTERSimply because I see the one and I do not see the other. I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman understands that I do not read, and nobody in this House reads, every paper that is published. I can only read a certain number, and if a paper containing improper matter is brought to my notice I take the necessary steps, no matter where it is published.
§ Sir S. BUCKMASTERCertainly. I should be glad if the hon. Member would send me a copy.
§ Mr. JOHN REDMONDIs the hon. and learned Gentleman aware of the fact that this newspaper has no connection of any kind with the Irish National Volunteers?
§ Sir S. BUCKMASTERI should have thought that that was obvious.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANIs any member of the staff of the hon. and learned Gentleman entrusted with the duty of looking after Irish papers?
§ Sir S. BUCKMASTERNo member of our staff is entrusted with the idea of looking after any particular newspaper.