§ 24. Mr. W. J. BROWNasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the House any information regarding the suppression of newspapers in Iraq; whether he is aware that the organ of the Nationalist opposition, "Arrafidan," was prevented from appearing at the end of April; whether the Press where the "Fata el Arab" is printed has been closed; and whether any newspapers have voluntarily ceased publication since being officially forbidden to print any criticism of His Majesty's Government?
§ Dr. SHIELSI understand that the Iraq Government in April last suspended the newspapers "Al Rafidan" and "Fata al Iraq" for a period of one month, and "Sadiq al Iraq" sine die, for publishing articles prejudicial to the peace of Iraq. Early this month the newspaper "Al Bilad" was also suspended. I have no information as regards the second part of this question; nor am I aware whether any newspapers have voluntarily ceased publication, or that the Press of Iraq has been officially for 1280 bidden to print any criticism of His Majesty's Government. If any such prohibition exists, it is certainly ineffectual in practice, since the Iraq papers continue to criticise the British Government with the utmost freedom.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEHas the British Government any responsibility at all for what is published in these papers?
§ Dr. SHIELSSo far as I am aware, no.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEOn a point of Order. As the Minister has no responsibility, was this question in order?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI generally give the hon. Member who puts the question on the Paper the benefit of the doubt.