11. Mr. L. SMITHasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether lie is aware that Harold Aidalberg, of 62, Oxford Street, E., a Roumanian, aged eighteen and a half years was charged at Tower Bridge Police Court on 25th January with being a few days late in registering, and given a sentence of six months' imprisoment; whether he is aware that Aidalberg's house was raided on 18th January, and the books, papers, etc., of the Stepney Herald League, of which he was treasurer, taken away; whether the missing £42 odd belonging to the league is in the posses- 1719 sion of the police; and will he say what reason they had for carrying out this raid?
§ Sir G. CAVEFrom inquiries which I have made it appears that this man had committed two offences against the Aliens Restriction Order, and was sentenced to six months' imprisonment. Two police officers, in the course of the inquiries which they made in connection with the case, searched his lodgings, and certain books and papers were taken away for examination, but no money was found in the house or taken away. The books belonging to the league mentioned in the question were returned to an official of the league.
Mr. SMITHIs the right lion. Gentleman aware that this is a boy of seventeen, whose only offence is that he was three days late in registering a change of address Is he aware that in the evidence against him it was stated by the inspector that he was a Socialist, that the magistrate thereupon said, "This makes the offence very serious," and that this heavy sentence was a mere piece of political persecution?
§ Sir G. CAVEI have replied to the question put down. 2ertainly, this is a much more serious offence.
§ Sir G. CAVEThe offence was a breach of the Aliens Order.