HC Deb 24 January 1918 vol 101 cc1132-3
14. Mr. M'KEAN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if his attention has been drawn to the diversity of practice as between the Press of Ireland and that of Great Britain with which the Irish Censor has applied the Defence of the Realm Regulation prohibiting reports of or comments on the proceedings of the Irish. Convention; whether he will advise the Irish Censor to assimilate his practice in the two cases mentioned for the remaining stages of the Convention; and whether, having regard to the diversity of the reports of what has transpired at the Convention, and in order to relieve the tension of the public mind on this important matter, he will advise His Majesty's Government to remove the ban on publication of the proceedings of the Convention from the present time till their conclusion?

Mr. DUKE

The Regulations as to reports relating to the Convention are identical in Great Britain and Ireland, but the editors of Irish newspapers appear generally to have appreciated the situation better than some of the English editors. Many of the statements lately published have, I believe, been very misleading. The Regulation is, in my judgment, necessary for the freedom of the Convention from interference, and the hon. Member will have learned from a reply given yesterday by the Leader of the House that the Government intend to enforce it.

45. Mr. BYRNE

asked the Prime Minister if he can make any announcement regarding the Irish Convention?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)

I cannot make any statement at present.