§ Mr. DILLON(by Private Notice) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the statement published in the Press this morning that the Irish Office has, through the censorship, warned the Press not to publish facts connected with the police situation in Dublin; whether it is true that the Irish Office has used the censorship to prevent the Press publishing political news of this character; and whether any censorship of a similar character has been put in force against the Irish Press?
Mr. HAZLETON(by Private Notice) asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether it is a fact that the Irish Office instructed the Press Bureau to issue a warning to the English and Irish Press against publishing reports as regards the trouble in the Dublin Police Force and the Debate thereon in this House; what were the terms of the warning; and what were the reasons for this interference with the liberty of the Press in a matter of this kind?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Duke)In view of alarmist statements which appeared to be circulated recklessly or mischievously, editors in Ireland were asked by the Press Censor —with my authority—to refrain from publishing sensational reports likely to cause excitement, and in case of doubt to refer to the Press Censor. So far as publicity in England is concerned, one message regarding the recent situation of the police question which I thought to be calculated to provoke trouble in Dublin was submitted to me through the Press Bureau, and I expressed my opinion that it ought not to be published.
§ Sir E. CARSONIs it the fact that many statements are allowed to be issued by the Press in Ireland which are suppressed by the Censor in this country, and why is that done?
§ Mr. DUKEI am not aware that that is the fact. Speaking only with regard to this matter of the police, I was aware of the publication—apparently the intentional publication—of statements which were either inaccurate or grossly exaggerated or inflammatory, which appeared to me calculated, if not intended, to cause trouble in Dublin. Thereupon I authorised the Press Censor to give an intimation to 214 the editors in Ireland that they should avoid publication of matters of that kind. As to the other matter—the censorship in England—I have nothing to do with it. The particular message which seemed to me to be one it would have been most improper to publish was sent on to me at the Irish Office, and I expressed my opinion with regard to it. I did no more than I think any one loyal subject would have done with regard to another loyal subject with regard to a matter of public concern.
§ Mr. ASHLEYDoes the right hon. Gentleman refer to the case of the "Morning Post"?
§ Mr. DUKEI was not referring to a specific case. I was stating the whole fact with regard to the matter. So far as the English Press is concerned, one message was sent to the Irish Office, and I was asked if it was a message which in my judgment ought to be published. I said in the most explicit way that I thought it was a message which ought not to be published. As to the majority of newspapers, the suggestion that it should not be published was accepted without complaint, and I am told that this morning it is resented in another quarter.