§ 12. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the growing frequency of street brawling of a political nature in the West End of London on Sunday nights; and, if so, whether he can state to what extent the wearing of political uniforms by the participants is the cause of this?
§ Mr. HACKINGI am informed by the Commissioner of Police that during the last six months disturbances of a political character in the West End of London have occurred on only three occasions, the last being on the 14th May. I have obtained full reports of these disturbances and I am satisfied that the accounts of them which appeared in certain sections of the Press were highly coloured and exaggerated almost beyond recognition. In reply to the last part of the question, I am informed that the disturbances were due, not so much to the wearing of distinctive uniforms, as to the sale in the streets, by the aid of placards, of publications to which exception was taken.
§ Mr. DAVIESWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of suppressing all these organisations that are wearing uniforms and parading the streets?
§ Mr. HACKINGIt may not always be desirable to prevent the wearing of uniforms. The wearing of uniform alone helps the police to find people guilty of any offence.
Viscountess ASTORDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that all this could be obviated if the Labour party did not hold political meetings on the Sabbath?