HC Deb 26 February 1934 vol 286 cc759-60
Mr. MAXTON

(by Private Notitce) asked the Home Secretary whether the arrest of Mr. Harry Pollitt and Mr. Tom Mann were made with his knowledge and approval, and whether he can inform the House as to the reasons for this action?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Mr. Pollitt and Mr. Mann were arrested in pursuance of warrants issued by the stipendiary magistrate of Pontypridd on charges of uttering seditious speeches. The institution of criminal proceedings and the execution of warrants of arrest do not require my approval, but I was informed that these warrants had been issued before they were executed. It would be improper for me to answer the second part of the question, since any answer might involve comment on a pending case.

Mr. MAXTON

Does the Home Secretary realise that the charges on which these men have been brought before the court have, as seditious charges, been thrown out on numerous occasions?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a legal question.

Mr. MAXTON

I am not raising a legal question. I am asking whether the Home Secretary is in a position to allow the illegal arrest of citizens on trumped-up and faked charges?

Mr. SPEAKER

The Home Secretary has said that the matter of arrest was not for him to approve or disapprove.

Mr. MAXTON

Mr. Speaker, I ask you whether there is not here a most important question of public liberty? If the Home Secretary is asked to execute an illegal warrant to arrest men on a trumped-up charge, am I to be told that he must do it whether it is right or wrong?

Mr. SPEAKER

I say that is a question of law.