10. Mr. JOHNSTONasked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the allegations made by the "Sunday Mail" newspaper, of Glasgow, that it has information of secret dumps of explosives to be used by revolutionaries in the event of a coal stoppage in Scotland; if he is aware that this newspaper declares that the railway junction at Portobello, the bridge over the Forth at Alloa, and Polmadie junction are to be specially attacked; and that it knows the man who is in charge of a formidable collection of these explosives for an illegal purpose in Lanarkshire; whether in the public interest he has instructed the police to inquire into the accuracy or otherwise of these statements; and, if the statements are unfounded, what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)I have seen the article referred to, which contains the statements mentioned by the hon. Member. Police inquiries have been made, but no information confirmatory of these statements has been obtained. I may add that it is the duty of any person possessing information of criminal purposes to communicate it to the proper authorities.
Mr. JOHNSTONIs the right hon. Gentleman unable to take any steps against newspapers that publish fabrications of this kind, which are likely to excite grave public feeling and disorder in an industrial crisis such as that with which we are at present faced?
§ Sir J. GILMOURMy answer is that no confirmatory evidence has yet been obtained.
Mr. JOHNSTONIs the right hon. Gentleman pursuing his inquiries at the source from which he is likely to obtain any such evidence, if such evidence be in existence?
§ Sir J. GILMOURYes, Sir.