§ 48. Mr. LAWSONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has caused inquiries to be made into the disturbance of the peace in Newcastle on Sunday last, consequent upon a meeting of Fascists; whether he has any statement to make; and whether this House may expect an early decision as to the action to be taken with respect to the dangers arising from the wearing of political uniforms?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Gilmour)I have obtained a report from the Chief Constable of Newcastle-upon-Tyne regarding the Fascist meeting held in that city on the 13th instant. The meeting was to have been addressed by Mr. John Beckett, former Member for Gateshead, who arrived accompanied by two members of the British Union of Fascists in uniform. The crowd was hostile and refused to allow him to speak, and he accepted the advice of the police to close the meeting owing to the threatening nature of the audience. The termination of the meeting appeared to be the signal for general disorder. The Fascists were escorted back to their headquarters by foot and mounted police. During this journey a number of stones were thrown, and the difficulties of the police were increased by the presence of a number of women and young boys. Later on, a party of about 30 men came out of the Fascist Headquarters, and there was another scrimmage during which stones were thrown. Two Fascists were arrested and are now on bail awaiting trial on charges of fighting and assaulting the police and civilians. As regards the last part of the question, I am not in a position to add anything to my recent answers on this subject.
§ Mr. LAWSONIs it not time the local police had some help from the Home Office in respect of a matter of this kind; has the right hon. Gentleman noted the experience of Denmark with regard to political uniforms; and will he not come to a decision at an early date?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am not aware that the police require further assistance. No requests of that kind have been made to me.
§ Captain PETER MACDONALDWould not the mounted police be better employed than trying to protect the lives of Fascists?
§ Mr. LAWSONHas the right hon. Gentleman noted the experience of Denmark with regard to political uniforms, which have been very effective; and cannot he help the local police by coming to a decision on this matter?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have repeatedly said that this matter is under the consideration of the Government, and I am not in a position to add anything further.
§ Mr. LAWSONWhen can we have a statement on the matter?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI really cannot say.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESIn view of the increasing number of these disturbances all over the country, will not the right hon. Gentleman hasten a decision of the Home Office on this serious problem?
§ Mr. BERNAYSWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind, from the example of foreign countries, the dangers of delay in dealing with this movement?
§ Mr. THORNEIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the man in question tried to pinch the Mace from this House for the purpose of melting it down?