§ 37. Mr. THORNEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has received any report from the Commissioner of Police for Edinburgh in connection with the disturbance at the Fascist meeting in the Usher Hall, Edinburgh, on Friday night last; if he is aware that 300 men from Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow and Gateshead were sent to Edinburgh as a bodyguard; and if he can state the number of persons; injured at the disturbance caused?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI have received a report from the chief constable from which it appears that no disturbance occurred at the meeting referred to. In 1055 the neighbourhood of the hall, however, attempts to hold anti-Fascist demonstrations were made and after the meeting there was some disorder in the streets. With regard to the second part of the question I understand that some 350 Fascists attended the meeting and acted as stewards, but I have no information as to the districts from which they came. As regards the last part, I am informed that seven persons were injured during the disorder which followed the meeting.