§ 51. Mr. BYRNEasked the Prime Minister why American newspapers are prevented from entering Ireland; if he is aware of the meetings held daily in all parts of America to demand better treatment and the release of the Irish prisoners; and what steps, if any, he will take to satisfy their wishes?
§ Mr. FORSTERI am informed that no distinction is made, so far as the censorship of newspapers is concerned, between Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom. The great majority of American newspapers enter the United Kingdom freely, but if any are stopped they are stopped for military reasons.
§ Mr. BYRNEWill the hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question, inquiring what steps they are taking to meet the wishes of the American people with regard to the release of Irish prisoners? Has not the Advisory Committee made any recommendations yet?
§ Mr. FORSTERI am afraid not. The present practice has been thoroughly considered, and I do not think there is any intention to make any departure from it.
§ Mr. BYRNEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the case of the five young ladies was tried over fourteen days ago, and do the Advisory Committee intend to make any recommendation with regard to those ladies?
§ Mr. FORSTERI do not think that that has anything to do with the War Office, and it does not arise out of this question.