§ 33. Mr. SNOWDENasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that a pamphlet has been published by ex-Inspector John Syme, of 13J, Chapter Street, Westminster, in which charges of condoning and encouraging perjury and blackmail, and other serious offences, are made against the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, the Home Secretary, and his predecessor; is he aware that this pamphlet is being sold at large public meetings at which the charges are repeated; and is it 279 intended to take any action against the publisher of this pamphlet or to institute an inquiry into the charges made?
§ Mr. McKENNAI would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given by me on the 30th October and 21st November, 1912, to similar questions put by the hon. Member for North Islington. I am still of opinion, in view of the obvious falsehood of the allegations made and of the antecedents of the person by whom they were made, that no action is called for in respect of them.
§ Mr. SNOWDENHas the right hon. Gentleman studied carefully the statements in this question, namely, that at the present time the pamphlet is being sold in large quantities at public meetings; is he aware that the statements contained in the pamphlet are not obviously untruths, and, in view of the effect it is having, is it not important that action should be taken against the people who circulate it, or that the Department should in some way take action to clear the persons charged?
§ Mr. McKENNAI will consult the Chief Commissioner upon the observations made by my hon. Friend, and will let him know later on.