§ 48. Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister whether the Government has considered and decided what withdrawals of Defence of the Realm Regulations or what modifications in them should be made in view of the coming General Election, especially whether Regulation 27C, which restricts the printing of leaflets, will be withdrawn; whether police Regulations authorising the prohibition of meetings are to be continued; and whether, in any case, he will assure the House that free speech, right of public meeting, and liberty of printing will be allowed?
§ Sir G. CAVEMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I am not at present aware of any modifications in the Defence of the Realm Regulations which a General Election is likely to make desirable. Leaflets issued by candidates for Parliament are already exempted from the operation of Regulation 27C, and there will certainly be no desire to restrict the right of free speech.
§ Mr. KINGHas the right hon. Gentleman seen a published statement in a paper very widely circulated and read by hon. Members that a certain number of candidates intend to disregard that regulation?
§ Sir G. CAVEI have not seen it.