HC Deb 26 March 1942 vol 378 cc2136-7
34. Mr. Silverman

asked the Home Secretary whether he has taken any action under Regulation 2C against any person connected with the "Daily Mirror" or under Regulation 94A against the newspaper itself; and whether he will avail himself of his powers under these Regulations before applying those under Regulations 2D and 94B?

Mr. H. Morrison

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. As regards the second part, I have already explained, in the statement made on 19th March, the reasons why the Government came to the conclusion that in this matter it is incumbent on themselves to form a judgment, subject, of course, always to their responsibility to Parliament, and those reasons cannot adequately be elaborated in reply to a Parliamentary Question.

Mr. Silverman

In view of the very serious allegations and the statement that the conduct complained of has been going on for a very long time, how are the persons attacked in that statement to have any opportunity of rebutting what my right hon. Friend says, or of defending themselves against statements which, if untrue, would be defamatory?

Mr. Morrison

I understand that there is to be a Debate later in the day, and it will then be open to hon. Members to defend this newspaper and to give any explanations there may be to be given. At any rate, if we are to discuss this matter to-day, I think it would be better to wait for that discussion.

Mr. Stokes

Is not this an insidious attack against the freedom of the Press, initiated by the Prime Minister himself?

Mr. Morrison

I think that the hon. Member and I both know that the answer is in the negative.