§ Mr. STEPHEN COLLINSasked the Secretary for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to a poster which has been issued by the headquarters of the Conservative party, and posted in the Eastern Division of Dorsetshire, in which the Government flag is depicted as a red flag with a skull and crossbones upon it, and in which the supporters of the Government are described, amongst other things, as a mob of factions taught to shirk and steal but not to fight, and as hired betrayers of a noble trust, and in which the Irish electors are described as breeding treason at the Empire's core; and whether he proposes to take any steps to prevent a breach of the peace?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLSir, I have seen the poster in question, and it certainly seems to be of a full-blooded character. The electors of East Dorset have been exposed to a good deal of offensive language in the last few weeks, and I trust they have learned not to treat it too seriously, from whatever quarter it comes.
§ Mr. STEPHEN COLLINSMay I be allowed to pass the poster to the right hon. Gentleman? [Copy of poster handed to the Home Secretary.]
§ Mr. CROFTasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that, owing to apprehended intimidation and violence in East Dorset, the police authorities have recommended that the polling held at Heatherlands school at the recent General Election should be changed and take place at the Old Municipal Buildings, Branksome, at the coming by-election in order to secure better protection for those voting; and whether he is taking steps to ensure that in other parts of the constituency of East Dorset special care shall be taken to protect electors in view of the systematic and organised terrorism which has recently occurred in the division?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have communicated with the Chief Constable of Dorset, who informs me that the police authorities did not recommend the removal of the polling station. He was not consulted in the matter, and does not know why the change referred to was made. He does not consider the change was necessary for the protection of voters. The Chief Constable also informs me that he knows of nothing that has taken place which justifies the reports of "systematic and organised terrorism" in East Dorset. I think I had better read to the House the actual terms of the Report:—
I know of nothing that has taken place which justifies the reports of systematic and organised terrroism in East Dorset. The disorder which is complained of is that of the interruption of political meetings which are held in the streets in the Borough of Poole, and in a few cases the speakers have been driven off and have had to be protected by the police, in those cases very few blows have been struck, the disorder taking the form of pushing, shouting and booing. Since 18th June no complaints of any kind have been received by the police, although there is considerable excitement, and the usual cheering and booing. My superintendent at Poole informs me that he has considerable trouble in dealing with disorderly persons on account of the many respectable persons of both shades of political opinion who get into the crowd in the hope of seeing something of an exciting nature. This, to my mind, disproves the reports of terrorism. Nothing has happened of a serious nature beyond the breaking up of the meetings (held in the streets) of one of the political parties, which meetings the Poole Justices have decided are not lawful meetings, and therefore not entitled to the protection of the Public Meetings Act, 1908. So person has been injured, nor has any person complained of intimidation, or that he or she is in fear of violence. The police have endeavoured to exercise a wise discretion in dealing with the supporters of both political parties, and I do not think it can be said that their efforts have been anything but impartial. I have made adequate arrangements for the maintenance of good order, and I see no reason why this election should not pass off as peacefully as on previous occasions. I should like to say that both candidates and their agents have done all in their power to prevail upon their supporters not to resort to violence, or to disturb or annoy the opposite party. I 669 should like to add I have personally visited the Borough of Poole and have moved about amongst the people unobserved. I have witnessed the meetings held by both parties on private ground and on the public highway, and I have no hesitation in saying that I saw nothing to which any person could take exception considering a political campaign is in progress.
§ Mr. PAGE CROFTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that at this polling station at the last election there was undoubtedly a great deal of hostile terrorism, and that there are great chances of the same terrorism existing at this election, and is he aware that something like twenty meetings have been absolutely broken up and the speaker driven off the platform; further, in answer to the report of the Chief Constable, may I inquire if the right hon. Gentleman is aware that on the 14th the speakers at three meetings—Sea View, Albert Road, and Richmond Road—were severely hustled; that on 16th June, at a meeting at Victoria Road, Parkstone, the speakers were knocked about, and that on 18th June, at a meeting at the Pump Room—
§ Mr. SPEAKERHow can the right hon. Gentleman be expected to be aware of all these things?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI should like to say, in reply to that part of the question which has been allowed, I think there is only one opinion in the House of Commons, and that is that the breaking up of the meetings should be repressed by law, and that the practice deserves the censure of every right-minded man.
§ Mr. GEORGE FABERMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, as far as he knows, the Lord Advocate is going again to Branksome?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI hope he is, I am sure.
§ Mr. BELLOCWas the letter which has been read written before the unfortunate death that has taken place?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe letter was written on 26th June.
§ Mr. STEPHEN COLLINSWas not this death caused by a public-house brawl?
§ Mr. PAGE CROFTCan the right hon. Gentleman give the House any details of the unfortunate death of a Conservative labourer announced in to-day's papers as having taken place as the result of the election riots?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt is quite clear that that is a matter which will be the subject of legal proceedings of the gravest character, and by long custom it has not been thought proper to comment on matters coming within the purview of the courts.
§ Mr. ASHLEYAm I to understand that a speaker who addresses meetings in the public streets, provided he is not causing an obstruction, is not entitled to the protection of the police?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe hon. Gentleman knows that the maintenance of order is in the charge of the local authorities. I have read to the House the views of the Chief Constable who acts for the local authority, and I am not prepared to go beyond that at the present time. I have given the fullest information in my power.