§ 28. Mr. HOWARDasked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the insults hurled at special constables on traffic duty by the organised marchers in the Socialist demonstration last Sunday; and will steps be taken to see that men performing a public voluntary duty are given the protection to which they are entitled?
Mr. STANLEYThe Commissioner of Police informs me that he has had no reports of incidents such as are referred to in the first part of the question, nor has he received any complaints from special constables. My right hon. Friend does not think that any further steps are called for to give protection to a special constable acting in the execution of his duty.
§ Mr. HOWARDIs the Minister not aware that persistent attacks, by calling special constables "blacklegs," occurred at many points last Sunday? I witnessed them myself, particularly at Waterloo Bridge, and I have reports from Tottenham and other places. Cannot steps be taken to see that the uniform of these men is given the protection it deserves, so that these systematic attacks can be ended?
Mr. STANLEYIn my reply I said that no complaints had been received from special constables. It may be that they thought them displays of bad manners and not worth reporting.
§ Mr. HICKSIs it not a fact that last Sunday's procession was one of the most dignified that ever took place?