HC Deb 06 August 1925 vol 187 cc1523-4
9. Lieut. - Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALL

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the police, in consequence of a report received by them, made an inspection recently of the National Fascisti in Chapel Street, Edgware Road, to see if firearms were stored there; if he will state who reported the matter to the police: and whether any similar examination has been made of the various premises occupied by Communist organisations in this country.

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

A police officer called at the premises of a body styling itself the National Fascisti to make certain enquiries, but found no occasion for making a search. Similar action would have been taken, on similar occasion, in the case of any other organisation.

Mr. BECKETT

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the Press photographs, where they are shown with swords?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

It was in consequence of the Press photographs that the police called.

Mr. BECKETT

Did they find any weapons there?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I believe that, with the exception of a sword or two, shown in the photograph, there was nothing else found.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Is it not a fact that the police officers found that the selfsame swords that appeared in the photograph were nothing but wooden swords?

Sir F. HALL

Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to that part of my question, which asks who reported the matter to the police?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I carefully evaded that part of the question, and I hope my hon. and gallant Friend will not press it. Obviously, it is undesirable to say who reported the matter to the police.