HC Deb 30 May 1918 vol 106 cc969-70
59. Mr. PR INGLE

asked the Prime Minister whether the speech made by General Smuts at Glasgow on 17th May was submitted to the Censor before publication; and, if so, whether any excisions were made.?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

Mr. HOGGE

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain the great differences in the speech as reported?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I think the hon. Member is probably able to judge of that as well as I am.

Mr. HOGGE

Is it the opinion of the War Cabinet, as General Smuts stated, that we cannot expect any military victory on the Western Front?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not think that General Smuts said anything of the kind.

Mr. HOGGE

It is so reported.

60. Mr. PRINGLE

asked the Prime Minister whether the speech made by the right hon. Member for the Black friars Division of Glasgow on 27th May was submitted to the Censor before publication; and, if so, whether any excisions were made?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The report of the speech was submitted to the Censor by some newspapers, but not by all, and, with the consent of my right hon. Friend, a few words were deleted.