§ 34. Mr. Denvilleasked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the communication addressed to him by the hon. Member for the Central Division of Newcastle-upon-Tyne drawing his attention to a poster now being exhibited by the Communist party of Great Britain, showing the device of the hammer and sickle superimposed upon a crucifix; and whether, as the exhibition of this poster is already causing disturbances and is likely to lead to breaches of the peace, he will cause inquiries to be made with a view to taking action to prevent its further exhibition?
§ Sir J. SimonI have seen a newspaper reproduction of the poster referred to. The police inform me that they are not aware of any disturbances arising from the display of the poster. If such arose or were likely to arise, the police would, of course, take appropriate action.
§ Mr. DenvilleIf I bring evidence of injuries, and of one person being actually in hospital at the present time, will the Home Secretary be good enough to make further inquiries? Further, if the police in Bermondsey could not see the 100 posters exhibited on the walls, how is it that certain hon. Members were able to strip this one from the walls and bring it to the House for exhibition to-day? Here is the poster.
§ Mr. ThorneWhat is the matter with it?
§ Mr. HoldsworthApart altogether from the question whether there is going to be any disturbance, is it not a fact that this poster offends religious susceptibilities?
§ Sir J. SimonI was asked whether I had any information as to the poster. I am bound to tell the House that I had seen a newspaper reproduction of it, but the police, when I inquired, told me that they had no information of any disturbance. Of course, if the hon. Member has any information about it, I hope that he will communicate it to me.
§ Mr. LoganAfter having seen the poster, will the right hon. Gentleman give instructions that, if posters of this description are posted on the walls, action shall be taken?
§ Mr. ThurtleIs there anything in the law of England which prohibits the pictorial representation of the evil effects of clerical domination?
§ Mr. GallacherI want to ask—
§ Mr. DenvilleOn a point of Order. As this poster is an infringement of public decency in this country I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Adjournment to-night, or at the earliest possible moment.