§ 44. Mr. DEVLINasked the Chief Secretary whether the "Southern Star" newspaper, Skibbereen, county Cork, was suppressed on Monday and the plant seized; what was the reason of this action on the part of the authorities; and whether, in view of the indignation which this suppression has created, the paper will be permitted to at once resume publication?
§ Mr. DUKEI can only add to my answer to this question on Tuesday last that I have not yet heard of the offer of any guarantee for the orderly conduct of this newspaper, and that I think it probable the military authority by which the seizure was made will require such a guarantee before the seizure is withdrawn.
§ Mr. DEVLINWill the right hon. Gentleman let us know what precisely was the offence which this paper committed?
§ Mr. DUKEAs I told the hon. Member on Tuesday, the publication of matter-inciting to disloyalty, inciting to disaffection, and matter generally in breach of the prohibition of the Defence of the Realm. Regulations.
§ Mr. DEVLINCan the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what the language was which caused the suppression of this paper?
§ Mr. DEVLINI raised this question the other day by Private Notice, and I then gave two days' notice to the right hon. Gentleman that I would ask him what exactly is the crime that this paper has committed which called for its suppression; and I want also to know has the right hon. Gentleman the article which caused the suppression of this paper, and will he give it to the House, or has the right hon. Gentleman ever seen the; article?
§ Mr. DEVLINWould the right hon. Gentleman read it to the House?
§ Mr. DUKEI cannot read it now. It is a long article and the largest part of the contents of the paper.
§ Mr. DEVLINAs this is a matter of very great importance, in the public interest I should like to know does the right hon. Gentleman refuse to state to the House the reasons why this paper has been suppressed in order that the House may determine for itself whether this was justifiable action or done by General Maxwell in spite against the Irish party?
§ Captain DONELANCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Lord Lieutenant was consulted as to the suppression of this paper, and was the step taken with his approval?