§ 32. Mr. MATHERSasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the draft ordinance of 1935 relating to publications in St. Vincent has yet received final approval; and what are the grounds for this ordinance and for the, measures prescribed therein for suppressing all the different kinds of publications set out in it and for preventing the importation of publications?
Mr. J. H. THOMASThe ordinance is now in operation. It is based on one which has been in force in St. Lucia for many years, and its object is to check the dissemination through the Press of propaganda calculated to inflame the, population against established order. But 1183 I ought to say that I have under consideration the question of reducing the penalties which in certain cases appear to me to be excessive.
§ Mr. MATHERSDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that in the long run repressive measures meet the object for which they are designed?
Mr. THOMASNo, Sir, I do not believe in repressive measures, but I believe that there are occasions when it is necessary to establish law and order, as is demonstrated in the Palestine situation at this moment.