§ 16. Mr. Riley (for Mr. Parker)asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the assistant chief censor in Jamaica ordered newspapers, on 28th May, to omit all reference in future to conscription of wealth, and to the recent legislation with regard to Government control of industry in the United Kingdom; whether this ban had his approval; and whether freedom of discussion on such important matters of policy is to be allowed in future in Jamaica?
15. Mr. David Adamsasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there are any special circumstances known to him making a measure recently introduced in Jamaica, namely, the Undesirable Literature Bill, necessary in the case of this Colony, the effect of the Bill being to give the Governor almost unlimited power to prohibit the entry into the Colony of any publication; and whether, as the powers of the Governor were already sufficient to deal with matters provided for by the Bill and the measure is calculated to shake the confidence of our Jamaican subjects, he will arrange to have the measure withdrawn?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. George Hall)I have no information regarding the points raised, but inquiries are being made of the Governor of Jamaica by telegram, and I will communicate further with my hon. Friends on receipt of his reply.
§ Mr. RileyDoes my hon. Friend approve of the ban referred to in this Question being applied to Jamaica and not to this country?