§ Mr. SNOWDENasked the Home Secretary if he will make an inquiry into the case of Harry Brain, who was convicted at Bristol on 26th October for having in his possession certain copies of anti-militarist leaflets and sentenced to twenty-six days' imprisonment; and, in view of the evidence at the trial and the nature of the alleged offence, will he order the man's release?
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Mr. SAMUELI have seen a full report of the proceedings in this case and the publications which formed the subject of the charge and find no ground for recommending any interference on behalf of the defendant. The sentence was a fine of £5, with twenty-six days' imprisonment in default of payment, and the prisoner said he preferred the imprisonment.
Mr. BARLOWasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a leaflet, "Peace this Winter," by Mr. Charles Roden Buxton, which contains the statements that the Government are not aiming at a reasonable peace, and that we are fighting for commercial boycott, or territorial aggrandisement, or a mere knock-out; and whether he would take steps to have the author and publisher dealt with under the Defence of the Realm Act?
Mr. SAMUELThe Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. This leaflet has been considered, but the Government do not propose to make expressions of opinion such as those contained in it, unfounded though they are, the subject of legal proceedings.