Colonel GRIFFITHS (by Private Notice)asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to an announcement of the Independent Labour Party of a meeting to be held at Essex Hall, Strand, to-morrow (Tuesday) evening, at which a resolution is to be proposed containing charges of cruelty against British officers in connection with the treatment of conscientious objectors; if he is aware that such meeting will be a danger to the public peace, and if he will state what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
Mr. SAMUELThe only announcement I have seen was issued by the City of London branch of the Independent Labour 1219 Party, and it states that a public meeting will be held on Tuesday to consider the administration of the Military Service Acts. I am not aware of the terms of the resolution referred to by the hon. and gallant Member. The announcement further states that the principal speakers will be the hon. Member for North Somerset and the hon. Member for North Salford.
Mr. SAMUELI should prefer that the invitation was addressed to the hon. and gallant Member (Colonel Griffiths).
§ Mr. WHITEHOUSEWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to prevent the meeting being disturbed?
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEAs the hon. and gallant Member's question may be a direct incitement to the breaking up of this meeting, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to prevent that?