§ MR. SEDDON (Lancashire, Newton)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the imprisonment of five members of the Salvation Army for defending the right of free speech at Widnes, Lancashire; whether he can take steps to secure their release; and whether he will cause an inquiry to be made into the conduct of the police on the right of meeting in the above town.
§ MR. GLADSTONEI understand that the action complained of was consequential to the arrangement arrived at between the local authority and labour representatives. On the information before me I see no reason for interference. All the prisoners with the exception of one man have been released on payment of the fines.
§ MR. SEDDONput a further Question which was inaudible in the Press Gallery.
§ MR. GLADSTONEThis Question was only put down yesterday, and obviously it is impossible to get all the facts at such short notice.