§ 75. Mr. SAKLATVALAasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that on Saturday, 16th April, some officers of the Portsmouth Police seized a bundle of leaflets entitled, "War," which were addressed to a Mr. R. Bishop; if so, whether they were acting under Home Office orders or on their own initiative; and whether, in view of this leaflet having been declared not to contravene the law, he will cause them to be returned and take suitable steps to prevent the repetition of such incidents?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am informed that in the ordinary course of their duties the Portsmouth Police seized a bundle of leaflets which they considered were illegal. No special instructions were issued by me. In stating that the leaflet has been declared not to contravene the law, the hon. Member goes beyond what is contained in my reply to the hon. and gallant Members for Everton and for Clackmannan and Western on the 15th February last, and any such declaration could only be made authoritatively by a Court of Law. I do not propose to take any action in the matter.