§ Mr. MARKHAMasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Chancellor of the Exchequer stated at Alfreton on 24th January that it was the intention of His Majesty's Government before the next election to put a stop to intimidation in the rural districts and to prevent landowners canvassing their tenants and land agents watching at the polling stations; will he say when a Bill to deal with these matters will be introduced; and whether he or the Chancellor of the Exchequer will introduce this Bill?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am informed that my right hon. Friend has expressed a hope that it might be possible by Act of Parliament to put a stop to intimidation, but we shall not be able to introduce legislation on the subject during this Session.
§ Mr. PAGE CROFTI desire to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department the following question, of which private notice has been given: Whether his attention has been called to the continuous intimidation of electors and speakers at Unionist meetings in East Dorset by the Radical party; if so, what steps he intends to take to prevent such intimidation?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo complaint on this subject has been received by the Home Office. If the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of the specific cases to which he alludes, and if they appear to come within the jurisdiction of the Home Office, inquiry shall be made.