HC Deb 13 November 1918 vol 110 cc2670-1
26. Mr. KING

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has now received the names of the persons owning and controlling the Socialist Press, Glasgow; and whether he will allow the printing work of the press to be continued?

The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Munro)

I have received a letter from my hon. Friend in which several names are given as those of the parties owning or controlling the Socialist Labour Press. I have communicated the contents of the letter to the Lord Advocate, who, I understand, in consultation with the criminal authorities in Glasgow, has the matter under consideration.

Mr. KING

Will the right hon. Gentleman now redeem his promise? His promise was quite explicit that if the names were furnished to him he would restore liberty of printing?

Mr. MUNRO

My hon. Friend is quite mistaken. My undertaking was that if the names were given the whole question should be reconsidered.

Mr. KING

Is that being done so that the Press may be available for the General Election, or will it be deferred indefinitely till after the election?

Mr. MUNRO

If my hon. Friend will put down a question on Friday or Monday, I will endeavour to ascertain.

Mr. WATT

Does my right hon. Friend think it fair to permanently punish the printers of these articles while the authors of them are only temporarily punished?

Mr. MUNRO

That is not my concern. The whole matter is rather one for the consideration of the Lord Advocate, and he now has it under consideration.