§ Mr. CLYNES (by Private Notice)asked the Lord Privy Seal whether his attention has been called to the action of the Officer Commanding Troops in Kensington Gardens in burning the "Star" newspaper and expelling the vendor from the camp because the paper contained the advertisement of the Triple Alliance and what steps His Majesty's Government propose to take to stop this spirit amongst officers at this critical period?
§ Captain W. BENN (by Private Notice)asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the action of the Commandant of an Infantry Brigade in Kensington Gardens in withdrawing, a permit to sell newspapers from a Mr. Dowd and destroying the stock of newspapers possessed by this man; whether the action was taken on account of the appearance of the Transport Workers' Federation advertisement as to the coal dispute; and whether he approves of this action?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe matter has been brought to the notice of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Metropolitan Area, who has been asked for a full report.
§ Mr. CLYNESIn view of the elements of personal liberty and newspaper liberty involved in the action which is alleged, can the right hon. Baronet assure us that we may have an answer by to-morrow?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON EVANSYes, I think I can. I will certainly look into it at once.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs this officer still in command at Kensington Gardens?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe hon. and gallant Gentleman must surely realise that it is desirable to ascertain the facts before taking any action.
§ Mr. W. THORNEDid the same advertisement appear in the "Daily Telegraph," the "Times" and all the leading newspapers in this country?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThat is quite true.