§ 34. Mr. SPOORasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Hampstead branch of the organisation styled the Organisation for Maintenance of Supplies is circulating literature containing the statement that the lists of volunteers being compiled will be taken over by the Government officials on the emergency being declared; whether the organisation in question has any authority for making this statement and whether officers of the Hampstead area appointed by the Government in connection with their emergency scheme are acting in co-operation with the Organisation for Maintenance of Supplies?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSAs I have already explained, the Government welcome the assistance of the organisation referred to, or any other organisation which is in a position to place at the disposal of the Government, in an emergency, classified lists of persons who will be prepared to assist in carrying on essential services, and would make use of any such lists if need should arise. To this extent it would be proper for the officers appointed by the Government to co-operate with officials of the Organisation for Maintenance of Supplies.
§ Mr. SPOORIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the literature of this purely private organisation is being circulated from the Town Hall, Hampstead; and does he think it desirable that even semi-official sanction should be given to the activities of an organisation, which some of us regard as being of a provocative character, at a time when everyone on this side and, I hope, everyone on the other side desires to secure stability in industry?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSSo far as the first part of the supplementary question is concerned, I have nothing to do with the way a local authority spends its money. We do not send out any literature of the O.M.S. from the Home Office, and any complaint with regard to the borough of Hampstead should go to the Mayor of Hampstead. With regard to the second part of the question, may I say that we, on this side are as fully anxious as the right hon. Gentleman and I is friends that there should be no trouble in the labour world and that everything should work for peace during the next few months.
§ Mr. HARRISAre we to understand that any body of men can organise themselves in this way and claim the right to act on behalf of the Government; and does not that suggest that such a private organisation might be used in a very undesirable way?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNo, Sir. Any body of people can form themselves into a voluntary organisation as long as they keep within the law.
§ Mr. HARRISCommunists?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON- HICKSUndoubtedly, as long as they keep within the law. But no organisation, however formed of any section of the community, can take action which is contrary to the law.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs it not the duty of every citizen to assist in vindicating the law at all times?
§ Mr. MAXTONI wish to put a point—
§ Mr. SPEAKERI understand that the hon. Member is addressing a point to the Chair.
§ Mr. MAXTONMay I call attention to the fact that the temperature of the Chamber is five degrees below normal, and ask you, Sir, whether that is accidental, or an act of deliberate policy on your part?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI do not think I have the means of control, but if the hon. Member enters a complaint I will have it looked into. To me it seems to be normal.