HC Deb 19 June 1917 vol 94 cc1614-5
56. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the expenditure of public money on the publication of the speech of General Smuts for propaganda purposes, he will explain how far it is intended to carry this principle; whether newspapers favourable to the Government may expect to have their circulation artificially increased; whether speeches in criticism of the Government will be specially censored; and whether any report of the speech of the hon. Member for West Glare in reply to General Smuts will be prevented from reaching Australia and South Africa?

Mr. BONAR LAW

As regards the first part of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to a supplementary question by the hon. Member on Friday last. The answer to the second and third parts of the question is in the negative, as also I think is the answer to the last part, although I have not seen the hon. Member's speech.

Mr. LYNCH

Would the right hon. Member see it now?

Mr. R. McNEILL

May I ask whether there is any means by which anybody in Australia could be compelled to read the hon. Member's speech?

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