HC Deb 05 May 1915 vol 71 cc1094-5
15. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War on what grounds any restriction is placed on the circulation of the "Leader" newspaper of San Francisco; and why copies of it mailed and prepaid to Ireland are confiscated, while it is allowed to be received and quoted from by newspapers in England?

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)

The paper referred to in the question is an Irish-American publication, and the grounds on which it and various postal packets are detained in the Irish Post Office in obedience to warrants signed by the Lord Lieutenant are the dangers to the public peace and safety which might result from their circulation in Ireland.

Mr. GINNELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain how it is that a paper is allowed to circulate in this country, and not to circulate in Ireland under the same Act of Parliament?

Mr. BIRRELL

I thought I had answered that supplementary question, which I anticipated, by saying that the paper referred to is an Irish-American publication, and apparently is prepared with a special view to the Irish market.

Mr. GINNELL

Then its circulation is not prohibited in this country?

Mr. BIRRELL

That must be addressed to the Postmaster-General.