HC Deb 13 June 1917 vol 94 c935
40. Mr. E. HARVEY

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether 640 persons were arrested by the authorities in the police raid in White-chapel on Friday, 18th May, 1917, including over twenty boys of sixteen years or under; whether only nine of all these persons were subsequently charged at the Police Court; and whether seven of the nine were since discharged?

Sir G. CAVE

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Whitechapel on Monday. Of the nine brought before the magistrates, five were discharged, one being due to join the Colours in a few days, and four being just eighteen and waiting to be called up. Four were handed over to the military authorities.

Mr. TREVELYAN

Does the Government consider it worth while to arrest 640 people in connection with a raid of this kind?

Mr. HARVEY

Has any apology been offered to the 600 people who were arrested and detained for many hours?

Sir G. CAVE

I do not think they were detained except for a short time.