HC Deb 15 November 1916 vol 87 c774
49. Mr. RICHARD LAMBERT

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that on 4th November detectives without a search warrant entered the house of Miss Gater, of 2, Lansdowne Villas, St. Thomas, Exeter, and demanded the list of members of the local branch of the Union of Democratic Control for the purpose of visiting the houses of the said members; and whether such a step was countenanced by the competent military authority?

Mr. FORSTER

I understand that in consequence of the distribution by Miss Gater of leaflets contravening the Defence of the Realm Regulations she was asked for a list of members of the Union of Democratic Control to whom they had been distributed, for the purpose of tracing such leaflets. This list was supplied and, as a result, the leaflets were recovered from members and others, who handed them over voluntarily.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Had those leaflets been condemned by some Court as contravening the Defence of the Realm Act?

Mr. FORSTER

I should require notice of that.

Mr. OHANCELLOR

If they had not been so condemned, were not the police exceeding their authority?

Mr. FORSTER

Clearly, I must have notice of that.