§ 36. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the publication "Africa and the World" has been prohibited from importation into the Gold Coast?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreThe importation of the publication "Africa and the World" into the Gold Coast has been prohibited by an Order made by the Governor in Council under Section 330 (1) of the Gold Coast Criminal Code. I am arranging for a copy of the Order in question and of the Criminal Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 1934, to be placed in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. SorensenWill the right hon. Gentleman mention any specific statement which is judged as seditious in this particular document, and will be himself investigate the reason for this prohibition, and let us know what it is?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreIt must be left to the Governor in Council on the spot to have any particular issue of a particular newspaper prohibited from being circulated. I could not possibly interfere.
§ Mr. SorensenWill the right hon. Gentleman accept a copy of this journal if I send it to him?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreCertainly, if the hon. Member likes to send it to me. I have not seen it myself.
§ Mr. SorensenWill the right hon. Gentleman pass some observations on it?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreOh, no.
§ Mr. PalingWill the right hon. Gentleman put it in the Library among the other papers?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreThe hon. Member can do that.
§ Mr. McEnteeAre we to understand that freedom of the Press exists only in the British Isles, and not in the Colonies?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreNo. This is very rarely done. A very large number of newspapers circulates; for instance, the "News of the World" freely circulates; and there is great liberty of the Press, but periodically certain types of articles are prohibited.
§ Mr. GallacherBritish culture—the "News of the World."