HC Deb 20 June 1934 vol 291 cc375-6
40. Mr. THORNE

asked the Home Secretary if he has received a report from the Commissioner of Police in connection with the disturbance at the Fascist meeting in Regent's Park on Sunday afternoon; and whether any persons were arrested and how many were injured?

Mr. HACKING

Yes, Sir; my right hon. Friend has obtained a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, who informs him that a meeting organised by the St. Pancras Branch of the British Union of Fascists was held in Regent's Park on the 17th instant. During the meeting the police entered the park at the request of the park keepers, but though there was some heckling no disorder occurred in the park. At the end of the meeting the Fascists marched back to the headquarters of the St. Pancras branch in Camden Town, accompanied by the police. Two Fascists who had become separated from the main body were attacked in Arlington Road by hostile onlookers and received slight injuries but declined medical assistance. Two persons were arrested and charged with using insulting words and behaviour.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on Monday last 40,000 mine workers and their wives paraded in Doncaster without police either in front of them or behind them, and will he consider employing a few miners to teach the Fascists their business?

Mr. HACKING

That does not arise on this question.

Mr. BERNAYS

Is not this incident a further instance of the fact that it is the Fascist uniform which is provocative?

Mr. G. NICHOLSON

Are we to understand that the police cannot enter Regent's Park unless requested by the keepers?

Mr. HACKING

It is not usual for the police to enter any park which is controlled by another body, without the request of that body.

Mr. THORNE

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that the cause of all this trouble is the fact that people in general are beginning to realise what the Fascists are after and that they have a private army behind them?