HC Deb 06 May 1937 vol 323 cc1227-8
27. Brigadier-General Sir Henry Croft

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that a procession passed throug Victoria Street on Saturday last in which there was a display of emblems provocative in character and calculated to provoke disaffection against the constitution and democratic institutions of this country, and that there were numerous bodies of persons wearing distinctive uniforms; and what action he proposes to take to prevent any similar violation of the law and frustration of the recent decision of Parliament?

Sir J. Simon

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that on the occasion in question the only uniforms observed were those worn by busmen, bandsmen, and a Workers' Sports Association. A number of persons wore fancy dress, but no person was observed by the police to be wearing anything which could reasonably be described as political uniform. Any banners carried were not of a character likely to provoke a breach of the peace, and they did not in fact provoke any sign of hostility. There was no disorder of any kind.

Sir H. Croft

Will not the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that there is absolute impartiality in the exercise of the law, and does he not regard large numbers of red flags and foreign banners as provocative in the West End just as other foreign emblems are provocative in the East End?

Sir J. Simon

I assure my hon. and gallant Friend that there is every determination to be impartial in this matter, and I do not at all shut out from consideration cases which may arise in one part of London rather than another. I have given my hon. and gallant Friend the information which I have had about this particular case. I do not dispute his general proposition.

Mr. Sorensen

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the question addressed to him by the hon. and gallant Member is not evidence of sheer class bias?

Mr. G. Griffiths

He is colour blind.