HC Deb 13 July 1925 vol 186 cc856-7
49. Commander OLIVER LOCKERLAMPSON

asked the- Prime Minister what steps he intends to take at the present time to prevent the publication in arsenals and Government factories of subversive Communist literature?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)

I have been asked to reply. My attention has been called to several of these pernicious documents, but as at present advised I do not think it worth while taking legal proceedings.

Mr. THURTLE

Is it a fact, as stated in the question, that these publications have actually beer published in factories, or merely distributed in factories?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Distribution of the documents is technically publication. They have been distributed in and outside several factories.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the most useful form of propaganda for the Communist party is in consequence of the constant advertising it gets in this House?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

That is one of the reasons why I do not think it worth while prosecuting.

Sir W. DAVISON

But does not the right hon. Gentleman think it desirable to stamp out these things in the bud and not let them grow into a tree or a flower?

Mr. THOMAS

Arising out of the latter answer of the right hon. Gentleman, which was to the effect that the Government did not consider it wise to advertise the Communists, does he now agree that the attitude which was adopted was precisely the same in the Campbell case?

Sir F. HALL

Did it not have very bad results on the Labour party?

Mr. MAXTON

Is the right, hon. Gentleman aware that this class of literature receives its widest circulation through the free circulation in the official documents of the Conservative party?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

No, I do not think so, added to which the people who read the official documents of the Conservative party would, I think, not be 'harmed by this literature.

Mr. MAXTON rose

Mr. SPEAKER

Party questions really do not arise.