§ Mr. DILLON (by Private Notice)asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to abandon the Defence of the Realm Act 2685 and war legislation of a similar character; whether he will undertake to suspend in Great Britain, during the period from now until after the election is over, all Orders under the Defence of the Realm Act interfering with personal liberty with the right of meeting and publication; and whether the censorship will be suspended during the same period.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to a Private Notice Question by my right hon. Friend the Member for Cleveland yesterday, to which I have nothing to add, except that a small Committee is being set up to consider the subject.
§ Mr. DILLON (by Private Notice)asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether all the provisions of the Defence of the Realm Act interfering with freedom of meeting or freedom of speech or writing will be suspended during the coming election; whether the censorship will be abolished during that period; and when he proposes to release the prisoners now detained under an administration order under the Defence of the Realm Act?
§ Mr. SHORTTWith regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his question on this subject on the 4th instant. The other matters mentioned in the question are under consideration.
§ Mr. DILLONCan the right hon. Gentleman not now state whether he proposes to release the prisoners held under the Defence of the Realm Act, or whether he has decided not to release them? Surely he has had time to consider the matter and ought to let us know before the Session ends?
§ Mr. SHORTTNo. I am sorry that I cannot make any statement to-day.
§ Mr. KINGAs at last the leader of the Irish party has come in on behalf of the release of the prisoners, is not that a very remarkable event showing that the whole Irish people are united on this subject?