§ 48. Sir W. Smithersasked the Prime Minister if, since the use of industrial electricity is to be resumed in some areas only, he will ensure that all weeklies and similar periodicals shall be suppressed or allowed to go to publication without discrimination.
§ The Prime MinisterTo avoid discrimination, the restrictions on the publication of weekly and other publications imposed from Saturday, 15th February, applied equally in all areas of Great Britain. Similarly, the removal of the restrictions, announced on 21st February to permit the resumption of publication on and after 3rd March, applies to all areas, irrespective of the resumption in the use of industrial electricity in any particular area.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs the Prime Minister aware there is a strong and widespread feeling that the suppression of these periodicals is for political ends, and to avoid criticism of Socialist mismanagement?
§ The Prime MinisterIf the hon. Member shares that impression he had better get rid of it, because the whole point is that it applies equally to all political opinions.
§ Mr. Frank ByersBy what statutory or other authority was this suppression made, and will the Prime Minister give a categorical assurance that there was a statutory authority?
§ The Prime MinisterIt was actually done by agreement—
§ Mr. ByersIn that case, is it not a fact that those people who are not members of the P.P.A. are not bound by the agreement which was reached?
§ The Prime MinisterThis was done by agreement.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs it not a Communist trick to suppress the Press and avoid—
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is expressing an opinion, and is not asking for information.