HC Deb 16 July 1918 vol 108 cc876-8
15. Mr. KING

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has now inquired into the circumstances under which the pamphlets by Viscount Grey of Falloden and the hon. and learned Member for Northampton were published without being submitted as required by Regulation 27 c; and, if so, with what result?

Sir G. CAVE

In my opinion Lord Grey's pamphlet does not coma within the terms of the Regulation. I have communicated with the publishers of the pamphlet secondly referred to, but I have not yet received their reply.

16. Mr. KING

asked the Home Secretary whether a pamphlet by R. C. Hawkin, entitled "Central Africa and the League of Nations," was submitted to the Censor in accordance with Regulation 27 c; and, if not, whether he will suitably warn the publishers, the Fabian Society, 25, Tothill Street, S.W. 1, that the Regulation 27C is observed by others?

Sir G. CAVE

The answer to both questions is in the negative.

Mr. KING

Does it not really mean that those persons who are friends and supporters of the Government, and who get their pamphlets taken up by the War Aims Committee for distribution everywhere, are allowed to break the law, whereas poor persons, who are critics and opponents of the Government, are pursued with ferocity?

Sir G. CAVE

It means nothing of the kind. It means that those who break the law are prosecuted, and those who do not are not

Mr. KING

The right hon. Gentleman has admitted that the pamphlet of the hon. and learned Member for Northampton which is being circulated by the War Aims Committee, and therefore must relate to the War, has not been submitted to the Censor, and he intends to do nothing? Is that so?

Sir G. CAVE

If that had been circulated by the War Aims Committee that would not come within the Regulations. As a matter of fact, as I have told the hon. Member, I am making inquiries.

Mr. KING

But was it not the case that it was a considerable time after it had been circulated by the hon. Member for Northampton himself, at some expense and risk, that it was taken up by the War Aims Committee, and in the period before it was taken up and disseminated by them was it not liable to this Regulation?

Sir G. CAVE

All these facts will come out when I have received an answer to my inquiry.

Mr. KING

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer another question later on about the matter?