§ 43. Mr. JOWETTasked whether, in the case of any property being destroyed as the result of the recent raids made under Regulation 51 of the Defence of the Realm Act, notice will first be given to the owners?
§ Sir G. CAVEThere is no obligation to give such notice, but in the cases referred to owners will be informed before property which has been seized under Regulation 51 is destroyed.
§ 78. Mr. LEES-SMITHasked the Home Secretary whether by No. 51 of the Defence of the Realm Act Regulations, under which recent raids have been carried out, the police have power to seize and destroy leaflets, pamphlets, and documents which are not illegal?
§ Sir G. CAVEI must refer the hon. Member to the terms of the Regulation.
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHIs it not a fact that by this Regulation the police can seize and destroy any pamphlets or leaflets, whether they are legal or illegal, according to their own discretion, and is not the right hon. Gentleman, by making all these raids under this Regulation, simply suppressing criticism of the Government without bringing it before a Court of law?
§ Sir G. CAVEI disagree both with the hon. Gentleman's construction of the Regulation and with his inference from the facts.