ANTI-GERMAN DISTURBANCES. (Hansard, 13 May 1915)

§ Mr. NEVILLE

I wish to put a question to the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department of which I have only given him private notice. The matter is one in which the public at the present time are taking a considerable amount of interest. I desire to ask what steps are being taken for the protection of the lives and property of persons who are living in areas where anti-German agitation or riots have taken place, or are likely to take place, both in London and elsewhere? I do not think it is necessary for me to say anything more upon the point. The newspapers are perfectly full of reports of what is going on. In some cases the military have been called on and the police and special constables. I am sure it would be a great relief to people living in those areas if the Under-Secretary would tell us what steps are being taken for the preservation and protection of the lives and property of people who may find themselves in difficulties owing to the agitation carried on all over the country—the lamentable agitation that is going on.

§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Cecil Harmsworth)

I was not aware that the hon. and learned Member was going to raise the question as to the country as a whole. I thought he was going to address himself merely to the situation in London, and it is only in regard to London that I am furnished with full information. I can assure him that the police authorities are well aware of the gravity of the situation in London, and that it is engaging their most earnest attention. Every possible precaution is being taken. In the disturbed areas, or areas that are likely to be disturbed, the police force has been greatly strengthened, and a very large number of 1957 special constables have been called up. I do not think I need add anything further, except to assure the hon. and learned Member that no precaution will be neglected by the police in the London area.