MR. KEIR-HARDIEI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what authority the police attacked and dispersed a peaceful procession in Whitechapel on the evening of the 1st of May, when a number of people, including women, were kicked and otherwise injured; and whether he will issue such instructions as will prevent the police from acting in the manner above stated?
MR. ASQUITHAccording to the information before me, the police did not attack or disperse a peaceful procession. So long as the procession was peaceful it. was not interfered with; when it became disorderly it was dispersed. There is no evidence before me that any persons were kicked and injured, but there is evidence that an attempt was made to stab one of the police officers.
MR. KEIR-HARDIEWill the right hon. Gentleman cause independent inquiry to be made as to the facts of the case? I have in my possession evidence of a different kind to that which the right hon. Gentleman has just given to the House.
MR. ASQUITHI am inquiring into the case myself, and if the hon. Gentleman will send me any evidence he has I will give it careful consideration.