§ MR. CUNNINGHAME GRAHAM (Lanark, N. W.)I wish to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 1416 a Question. It is, Whether he will make inquiry whether, during the gathering which took place in Trafalgar Square on Saturday—[Ministerial laughter]—hon. Gentlemen will not laugh when they hear this Question—whether, during the gathering which took place in Trafalgar Square on Saturday, certain men, roughly dressed, but whose hands were white, and who wore rings, mingled with the crowd and struck several men and women; and whether, when remonstrated with, they said they were plain clothes constables, which, judging by their action and bearing, was manifestly untrue. I wish also to ask him, whether he prefers to institute inquiries into these allegations; or whether he prefers that I should, by means of private inquiry, endeavour to find out these miscreants' names, and hold them up to public obloquy in this House?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)The hon. Gentleman's Questions are somewhat vague, and I have a difficulty in knowing what inquiry he demands; but I gather from him that some persons were alleged to have seen these ringed and white-handed gentlemen. If the hon. Member will put his Question before me in a definite form I shall at least have an opportunity of forming a judgment upon the matter.
§ MR. CUNNINGHAME GRAHAMI shall have great pleasure in doing so.
§ MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)asked the right hon. Gentleman, whether the proceedings on Saturday in Trafalgar Square had been brought under his notice; whether they took place by his authority or sanction; and, whether they bore out his promise that persons should not be interfered with when they went peaceably and quietly to the Square?
§ MR. MATTHEWSI have no Report on the subject; but if the hon. Member will put a Question down I will answer it.