HC Deb 20 April 1914 vol 61 cc574-5
32. Mr. DOUGLAS HALL

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the number of fires and the destruction of property in consequence thereof which has occurred within the last few days, and particularly the burning of the Britannia Pier at Yarmouth, the Grand Stand at Kempton, and the Empire Music Hall at Kingston; whether he is aware that these and many other fires are believed to be the work of militant suffragettes; and whether he can say what steps the Government intend to take to protect public and private property from the criminal acts of maliciously disposed persons, or is it to be understood that the owners of public and private property can no longer expect to be protected from such outrages?

Mr. McKENNA

My attention has been called to the fires mentioned, and there appears to be reason to believe that some of them are the work of suffragettes, though probably not so many as are attributed to them. It is the duty of the police, so far as is in their power, to prevent such crimes and to bring the offenders to justice, but it is obviously impossible that every exposed building should be watched by them continuously, and it is difficult and often impossible to trace the offenders. I have no reason to doubt that the police are doing their utmost to deal with a difficult situation.

Sir G. YOUNGER

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of doing something to see that the cost does not fall on the individual owners?

Mr. McKENNA

In most cases I believe it falls on insurance companies.

Sir G. YOUNGER

Is it not equally necessary to protect them?

Mr. McKENNA

Certainly.

Mr. CROFT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that newspapers glorifying these acts of arson are being sold in the streets? Will he take steps to prevent that?

Mr. McKENNA

I have seen the paper to which the hon. Member refers from time to time, and I am considering whether steps cannot be taken in view of certain articles which have recently appeared in it.

Mr. CROFT

Has not the time for consideration passed and the time for action arrived?

Mr. McKENNA

I have to proceed according to law. The question is whether or not the articles are illegal.

Mr. PRINGLE

Will the right hon. Gentleman not apply to the Provisional Government in Ulster for suggestions?

Mr. DOUGLAS HALL

Could not the organisation be indicted as a criminal association?

Mr. McKENNA

If my hon. Friend can give me any evidence which would enable it to be indicted I shall be happy to consider it.