§ 13. Mr. THORNEasked the Home Secretary whether he has received a report from the chief inspector of police for Richmond, Surrey, in connection with a meeting of the Richmond branch of the British Union of Fascists; and whether anyone was arrested and what was the charge and the outcome of the case?
Captain CROOKSHANKYes, Sir. My right hon. Friend has obtained a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, who informs him that on the 7th instant a Fascist meeting was held in Heron Court, Richmond, and was followed after an interval of 15 minutes by a Communist meeting. A number of persons were standing in the footway at the corner of Heron Court causing obstruction to foot passengers. The police instructed them to disperse, and one person was arrested and charged with obstructing the police in the execution of their duty. He appeared before the justices on the 9th instant when the case was dismissed on grounds of insufficient evidence.
§ Mr. THORNEIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that the magistrates in question dispute the evidence given by the police; and does it not seem rather strange that the Fascists get off every time and the others get convicted?