§ 31. Colonel J. CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can state the reason for transferring the Press censorship from the military to the civil administration in Ireland; whether this course has been adopted in any other part of the United Kingdom; and whether care will be taken to exercise the censorship in a way that will not hamper free Press criticism of Irish administration as distinguished from military affairs?
§ Mr. DUKEThe transfer of the censorship was thought by the military and civil authorities in Ireland to be desirable? and was made with a view to place the censorship in Ireland on as nearly as possible the same footing as hi England. I am not aware of any ground for expecting that the censorship will be used to interfere with free criticism of the Government.
§ Colonel CRAIGWill the right hon. Gentleman take pains to see that it is not interfered with?
§ Mr. DUKEI receive evidence every day that it has not the least effect on criticism either of the Government or of myself.
§ Mr. BYRNEIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that there is a paper called "New Ireland," which had an article containing full particulars of Frongoch prison, which article was prohibited?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Gentleman had better give particulars of every particular instance.