55. Mr. G. MURRAYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Irish Press is now being published under a strict censorship, imposed by armed Republicans, with the result that the real state of affairs in Southern Ireland is not disclosed to the public; whether the Provisional Government is wholly unable to afford any redress or ensure the freedom of the Press; and whether, under these circumstances, His Majesty's Government can do anything to afford to the British public information as to the true state of affairs in Southern Ireland?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODIt is quite contrary to the actual facts of the situation to describe the Irish Press as being conducted under a Republican censorship. While there have recently been several regrettable instances of attempted intimidation or coercion of the Press in Ireland, I do not for a moment agree that the Irish Press as a whole conceals or misrepresents the state of affairs in that country. The fearlessness of the Dublin Press during this period of exceptional difficulty must be obvious to all its readers.
Mr. MURRAYWill the right hon. Gentleman say what the British Government will do to arrange that the facts of the happenings in Southern Ireland are published in this country?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODIt is no part of the functions of the Government to distribute facts which are daily and, I think, adequately represented by the newspaper Press of this country.
Mr. MURRAYWhy was it then, that before the Irish negotiations took place, the Irish Office constantly published facts in connection with the-various casualties and occurrences in Ireland?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODBecause at that time the Irish Office and this House was responsible for the government of Ireland.
§ Mr. DEVLINIs the suggestion that comes from the Die-hards, that the "Morning Post" should be subsidised by the Government?