HC Deb 28 July 1925 vol 187 cc229-30
19. Mr. JOHNSTON

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is now in a position to state the results of his inquiries into the alleged preparations for a revolutionary outbreak in Scotland; and whether the editor of the "Sunday Mail" newspaper has disclosed the particulars alleged to been his possession?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The further inquiries which have been made since the date of the hon. Member's last question have not resulted in confirmation being obtained of the allegations made in the article which appeared in the "Sunday Mail" of the 12th instant. The police are aware of the source from which the article emanated.

Mr. JOHNSTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking any steps to put a stop to this sort of thing? Might I ask, in view of the public importance of this question, if the Secretary for Scotland will indicate to the House what steps he proposes to take to deal with newspaper proprietors who let loose these publications upon the public?

Mr. HARDIE

Does this answer on the part of the Government mean that they are in complete agreement with the papers, who evidently are put up to it by the Government to get disturbances started?

Mr. SPEAKER

This newspaper, like some others, seems to have found a mare's nest.

Mr. STEPHEN

Is not the Lord Advocate going to take proceedings against the proprietors of this newspaper because they are taking money under false pretences?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member had better put down a legal question.