§ Mr. HUNTasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the speech, as reported, of the junior Member for Merthyr Tydvil, on May Day last, in Hyde Park, in which he not only told soldiers not to shoot strikers, but told men not to enlist, and added that the crime of shooting a German workman was just as great as shooting a British workman; and whether he proposes to inquire into the case, and, if the reported statement is found to be correct, to prosecute the hon. Member?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)My attention had not previously been called to the speech in question. I have seen a newspaper report of it, and it does not appear to me to call for any action on my part.
§ Mr. HUNTAre we to understand that an hon. Member of this House may make statements with impunity which cannot be made by an ordinary agitator outside, and, if that is so and the hon. Member is not to be prosecuted, may not Mr. Tom Mann be let out?
§ Mr. McKENNAThere was nothing in the speech of the hon. Member for Merthyr Tydvil upon which a prosecution could be founded?
§ Mr. HUNTWill the right hon. Gentleman deny that the hon. Member did advise soldiers not to shoot Germans, even if they were enemies?
§ Mr. McKENNAI do not think the hon. Gentleman has quite accurately reported what the hon. Member for Merthyr Tydvil said.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEAre we to understand the right hon. Gentleman came to the conclusion which he has stated after consideration of the matter with the Director of Public Prosecutions?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir, I have not consulted the Director of Public Prosecutions in the case.