§ 35. Mr. CAPEasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Chief Inspector Edward Parker, of the special branch of the Criminal Investigation Department, called on Messrs. Frowde, of 244, Old Kent Road, Bermondsey, on the 28th and 29th September, and made 1548 a number of inquiries of the partners; that he asked for their private addresses, how long they had been in business, whether they printed the "Bermondsey Labour News," what other printing they did, and whether they were trade unionists; what is the purpose of these inquiries, and who instructed that these inquiries were to be made; whether a chief inspector or any other member of the police forces has any authority to ask individuals whether they are members of a trade union; and whether the instructions relating to such inquiries will be laid upon the Table?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe inquiries were made on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions, in connection with an article which had appeared in the "Bermondsey Labour News"; but no question was asked as to whether Messrs. Frowde were trade unionists.