THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 July 1921, Page 1

THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

FREEDOM OF PRESS

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. LONDON, July 18. In the House of Commons, Mr Lloyd George was called on to reply to questions regarding the Government’s action in withdrawing Foreign Office facilities from “The Times.” He said: “In view- of a peculiarly offensive attack on Lord Curzon, the special faciliites hitherto allowed the “Times” for enquiries have been withdrawn; but the official news is still available to “The Times” .through the ordinary news agencies. Such an attempt, at such a moment, seemed to fall below the norma standard of British journalism. For years past facilities have been given to the representatives of newspapers to visit the Government Offices and make inquiries. “The Times” took full advantage of tills privilege, but such courtesy should beget courtesy. The fact that “The Times” has pursued a virulent attack on this Government, and notably on the head of this Government, has not in the least influenced the Government Departments in offering facilities to “The Times” repi-esen-tatrve.”

He continued that he (Mr Lloyd George) had never personally made a single effort to induce the withdrawal of a single facility from “The Times,” or from its syndicated papers; hut ‘The Times’ on Wednesday last had published what the Government considered an offensive and mischievous attack on Lord Curzon, with special reference to certain momentous negotiations wherein he (Curzon) was engaged, concerning not only the British Government, but representatives of the Dominions and of Tndin. Mr Lloyd George said “he passed by the question of taste, hut it was difficult to overlook an attack that was creating a personal prejudice against Lord Curzon in foreign countries, a prejudice against a public servant of high repute, who was charged with responsible negotiations on belialt of the British Empire. He declared that no reputable journal of any party would have published such an attack, which was entirely unprecedented. Continuing his critoism against “The Times” Mr Lloyd George said:—“The Times” is still supposed to represent both educated and official opinion in the country: hut the real facts are only gradually becoming gradually known abroad. Therefore, it is essential that the Government should mark strongly its disapproval of the attack on Lord Curzon: and, therefore; any special favours accorded “The Times” by tradition in the past will be entirely withdrawn.”