HC Deb 06 June 1934 vol 290 cc930-1
42. Mr. THORNE

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has received from the Commissioner of Police a report in connection with the disturbance that took place at the Fascist meeting held in Finsbury Park on Sunday, 3rd June; and whether he can state the number of persons injured in consequence?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Gilmour)

Yes, Sir; I have obtained a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis. I am informed that the meeting was of a disorderly character and that several scuffles took place between the Fascists and the Communists. The park authorities invited the police to enter the park to assist in restoring order, which the police proceeded to do. Two police officers and seven or eight other persons received minor injuries in the course of the scuffles which took place.

Mr. THORNE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the inspector in question reported that an armoured car was used at this meeting?

Sir J. GILMOUR

No, Sir.

44. Mr. THORNE

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a report from the superintendent of police at Bristol in connection with the disturbance at the Fascist meeting which was held at Bedminster, Bristol, when a number of people were injured; and whether a knuckleduster was used?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Yes, Sir. I have obtained a report from the Chief Constable of Bristol who informs me that there was some disorder at a Fascist meeting held in that city on the 1st instant. The meeting was closed on the advice of the police. So far as the police are aware, two persons were injured, but the police have no knowledge of a knuckleduster having been used.

Mr. THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the uncrowned king of the British National Fascist movement is a violent revolutionist; is it the case that at Scotland Yard they have a report of a speech in which he stated last year that he was prepared to meet the situation with machine guns and that his party was being organised for a violent struggle; and how much longer are the Government going to whitewash this Blackshirt movement?

Lord APSLEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman also aware that, if there be any rising of Fascism in Bristol, it is due to the paid Communist rowdies who infest every meeting in Bristol with the express idea of making free speech impossible?