HC Deb 19 November 1917 vol 99 cc846-7
31. Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Attorney-General if he has received from the hon. Member for East Glamorgan (Mr. C. Edwards) allegations of pacifist activity in South Wales, that enormous sums of money are being spent on treasonable propaganda, and that certain persons are distributing from £15 to £40 a week; if he has examined these allegations; and whether he is prepared to prosecute the individuals and organisations against Whom these allegations are made, so that the truth may be tested in a Court of law?

Sir F. SMITH

The answer to all the above questions is in the negative.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that these state ments were made by the hon. and learned Member in the course of the Debate last week?

Sir F. SMITH

I have read these statements of my hon. and learned Friend, and I cannot add anything to my answer.

Mr. WHITEHOUSE

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman propose to communicate with the hon. and learned Gentleman opposite?

Mr. F. SMITH

I shall be very pleased to receive any communication from my hon. and learned Friend. I may say that he reflected in this House upon the method in which the Law Officers carried on their business. If he will lay before me any material on which he says that the Law Officers should have acted, it will receive nay most careful consideration. I may add that up to the present he has not done so.