§ Mr. Craven-Ellisasked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the leading article headed "Second-raters," which appeared in the 26th October issue of the "Sunday Pictorial," a copy of which has been sent to him; and whether he will suppress the publication of this newspaper to prevent a repetition of its subversive articles?
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§ Mr. H. MorrisonYes, Sir. I have considered the article in question. There is a clear distinction between speeches and articles which criticise the Administration, or the conduct of the Parliamentary institutions of our country, with a view to effecting improvements, and those which make reckless and baseless attacks throwing discredit, albeit perhaps unknowingly, on democratic institutions and thus perhaps breeding that mentality upon which Fascism has founded itself. I take the view—and I think that the majority of this House and of the country will agree with me—that the article in question comes within the latter category. But in this country we still cherish our tradition of freedom of the Press, and I should not be justified in taking action against this publication merely because of this article.