§ 32. Mr. SHERWELLasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware 567 that Brigadier-General Grove, the officer in command of the Warwick and Midland district, has issued a questionnaire to four justices of the peace in Birmingham, who are members of the Society of Friends, demanding among other things information as to their private subscriptions, and requiring them to produce for inspection their cheque books and bank pass books; if he will say under what Regulation of the Defence of the Realm Acts this action has been taken; and whether the demand has been made with his knowledge and sanction?
§ 103. Mr. KINGasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a number of citizens in Birmingham are being visited by detective officers and required, among other things, to produce for inspection their cheque and bank pass books; will he say under what Defence of the Realm Regulations or other authority can persons against whom no charge has been preferred have a request of this nature imposed upon them; and whether this inquisition into the private affairs of citizens has been instituted by the Home Office as part of a plan to be extended elsewhere?
§ Mr. FORSTERInquiry is still being made, and if it is found that the officer acted on his own responsibility as indicated by the question the desirability of his replacement will certainly arise.
§ Mr. SHERWELLHas any intimation been sent to the four gentlemen to whom this question refers?
§ Mr. FORSTERI cannot answer.
§ Sir E. CARSONWould it not be better not to condemn this man until the whole facts are known?
§ Mr. FORSTERI entirely agree with my right hon. and learned Friend, and that is why I am making inquiries before taking any further action.
§ Mr. PRINGLEBut could not the representative of the War Office say now whether any authority has been given by the War Office itself?
§ Mr. FORSTERI think I can answer that question in the negative.
§ Mr. PRINGLEThen it must be the officer himself.