§ Mr. BOTTOMLEY(by Private Notice) asked the Home Secretary whether, having regard to the organised system of 1427 ruffianism which is rife at Woolwich in connection with the pending Parliamentary election, he will take the necessary steps to afford due protection to speakers and for securing the ordinary holding of public meetings, and whether he will give special instructions to the police to arrest all persons deliberately attempting to prevent access to or exit from such meetings?
§ Mr. J. H. THOMASWill the right hon. Gentleman also take into consideration the fact that there is sworn evidence that prize fighters were imported for the purpose of breaking up Labour meetings?
§ Mr. SHORTTI only received notice of this question a very few minutes ago, and I have not had time to consult with the Chief Commissioner, but I may tell the hon. Member that I have already arranged to discuss the whole position with the Commissioner this afternoon or to-morrow morning.
§ Mr. CLYNESBefore he gives his final answer to this question, will the right hon. Gentleman trouble to look up the repeated abusive and vindictive attacks made by the hon. Member on Mr. Macdonald, one of the candidates, and whether these attacks are not the cause of the treatment of which he complains?
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a legal remedy for malicious libels and malicious attacks?
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs it not a fact that there is an Act of Parliament already in existence that gives protection for speakers at public meetings?