§ 13. Mr. KINGasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that two books by Mr. Arthur Mee, entitled "Defeat" and "The Fiddlers," written to promote abstinence from alcohol in the War, are not allowed to be circulated in Canada; whether this is due to action taken by the War Office; if so, on what grounds; and whether books on temperance are subject to the military censor?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY Of STATE for WAR (Mr. Macpherson)The first of these books has been stopped by the Censor with the concurrence of the Home Secretary, as its circulation abroad was contrary to the national interest. So far as I am aware, the other has not yet been stopped. The Canadian authorities entirely on their own initiatve stopped the circulation of copies of "Defeat," which had already reached the Dominion, on the ground that the circulation "would have been most dangerous, for it would unquestionably have had a retarding influence upon recruiting, and would have brought unnecessary anxiety to the minds of parents and others who have relatives 1587 serving in England." All postal packets to and from the United Kingdom and all other consignments of printed matter are liable to inspection by the military authorities.
§ Mr. KINGAs these books are of such a dangerous and deleterious nature, will the author and publisher be proceeded against?
§ Mr. MILLARHave the statements contained in these books been denied by the War Office or any of the other authorities concerned?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI have not read the books, and I cannot add anything to my answer.
§ Mr. MILLARWill my hon. Friend ascertain whether the statements are correct or not?
§ Mr. GINNELLAt what date were temperance books drawn within the range of the Defence of the Realm Act?