HC Deb 27 June 1916 vol 83 cc733-4
96. Mr. GINNELL

asked under what law the sale and use of national pictures, albums, and badges are now, without Proclamation, prevented by the police in some parts of Ireland and not in other parts; and whether the House will be informed of any uniform practice in this matter?

Mr. SAMUEL

Any publication or printed matter likely to cause disaffection is prohibited under the Regulations for the Defence of the Realm; and it is also an offence under these Regulations to attempt by any means to cause disaffection among the civilian population. It will be for the competent military authority to decide upon the facts in each particular case whether the sale or use of the matters referred to by the hon. Member comes within the Regulations and calls for prosecution. Beyond this no uniform practice can be prescribed.

Mr. GINNELL

The right hon. Gentleman has not said what is the uniform practice and why it is followed in one place and not in another?

Mr. SAMUEL

Probably because the circumstances are different in the two places.

Mr. GINNELL

But they are not different: they are the same.