§ 34. Mr. LUNDONasked whether Lord Decies has been acting as military censor; and, if so, what were his qualifications for the post; has Lord Decies been in France since the outbreak of war; and what powers of censorship he really has?
§ Mr. FORSTERLord Decies was appointed Press Officer on the Staff of the General Commanding-in-Chief, Ireland, 11th June, 1916, after having been employed on similar duties for two months to the satisfaction of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief. Lord Decies has not held an appointment in France. In regard to censorship, he carries out such instructions as he may receive from the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief.
§ Mr. KEATINGIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the censor stopped the sending of newspapers from Ireland without giving the newspaper proprietors any notice?
§ Sir J. D. REESIs not Lord Decies well known as an able officer, capable of anything from cricket to censorship, from polo to politics?
§ Mr. LUNDONWhere did Lord Decies act as Press censor previous to his appointment at Dublin?
§ Mr. FORSTERI have already informed the hon. Gentleman that he had been employed on similar duties for two months to the satisfaction of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief.
§ Mr. LUNDONWhere?
§ Sir J. D REESHe would make a very good one.