§ 36. Mr. DIXEYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he proposes to introduce legislation to give him further powers to enable him to deal more strictly with Communist propaganda?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)The question is under consideration, but I am not at present in a position to make any statement on the subject.
§ Mr. LANSBURYIs it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman himself, standing at that Box, stated last year, or last Session, that Communist propaganda was not illegal in this country?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIt depends entirely on how it is carried out.
§ Mr. LANSBURYDoes the right hon. Gentleman remember that I put a specific question to him, and he answered it quite specifically that it was not illegal to propagate Communism?
§ Mr. WALLHEADCould not the right hon. Gentleman revert to about 1697 to find another Act instead of introducing anything new?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSSo far as the first question is concerned, it entirely depends upon what particular Communist doctrines are propagated. I have often heard the hon. Member say he was not a Communist, but at times I think he is.
§ Mr. LANSBURYIs it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman, in answer to the question: "Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the advocacy of Communism is illegal," replied: "Obviously, if it had been, the hon. Member might find himself in custody"? This is a matter of very great importance, [HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"] May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the very great importance of this question, whether he considers it quite fair to give a specific answer in that manner and then to prosecute people because they have been propagating Socialism?
§ Mr. J. JONESBefore the right hon. Gentleman replies—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis is leading to an argument, which we cannot pursue at this stage.