HC Deb 29 October 1918 vol 110 cc1285-6
60. Mr. KING

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the Socialist Labour Press in Glasgow was closed down in August; that, on an explanation being asked from the right hon. Member for Blackfriars, on 8th October, he wrote that it was due to two anonymous stories, "Young Rebel" and "The Revolution," published by the Press, and stated that if the identity of the author had been revealed the press would not have been closed; whether he is aware that James Stewart was, on 12th July, put on trial on charges connected with "Young Rebel" and admitted the authorship, and that Mr. Cook had admitted writing "The Revolution"; and whether, on review of these facts, he will restore the plant and freedom to print to the Socialist Labour Press?

Mr. MUNRO

I think there has been some misapprehension in this matter, in which my right hon. Friend may have to some extent shared. "The Young Rebel" and "The Revolution" were not serial stories. They are the names of two monthly publications, a number of the issues of which, along with other publications emanating from the Socialist Labour Press in Glasgow, had come to the notice of the Scottish criminal authorities in connection with the Regulations for the Defence of the Realm. Neither the fact that the identity of a particular contributor to one or other of these publications had been revealed—assuming that to be the fact—nor the circumstance that such contributor was proceeded against as the writer of a particular articles in one of the publications in question, would have any effect in relieving the printers of responsibility. As to the concluding portion of the question, I cannot say that I am at present aware of anything that has occurred to call for reconsideration, but I will consult with my right hon. Friend the Lord Advocate, under whose instructions, as Public Prosecutor, action was originally taken.

Mr. PRINGLE

Can my right hon. Friend not consider whether some undertaking might be enforced on the printers whereby they might be allowed to resume their business?

Mr. MUNRO

If my right hon. Friend will give me the name of the printers who are described as the Socialist Labour Press I will consider it.

Mr. WATT

Has any warning been given to the Socialist Labour Press?

Mr. MUNRO

I think the publication was so pernicious that it did not require any warning.

Mr. PRINGLE

If the right hon. Gentleman received the names of the persons responsible for the Socialist Labour Press would he consider the matter?

Mr. MUNRO

If my hon. and learned Friend will give me the names I will consider the matter.