§ 17. Mr. M. Footasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies what restrictions are imposed on the grant of licences to publish a newspaper in Aden; and why such a licensing system is required.
§ Mr. FisherThe grant of licences is at the discretion of the Chief Minister of Aden State. He has explained that among the factors he takes into account when considering applications are the financial, technical and literary capabilities of applicants, the supply and demand for publications in Aden and considerations of security.
§ Mr. FootAfter all that rigmarole, will the hon. Gentleman tell us why the People's Socialist Party in Aden is not allowed to publish a newspaper?
§ Mr. FisherI understand that the application of that party to do so is at present under consideration by the Aden Government.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesWill the hon. Gentleman tell us what qualification the Government have for judging the literary capabilities of the editors of a Socialist paper?
§ Mr. FisherThat is not a question for me. It is a question for the Chief Minister of Aden State.