§ 16. Mr. THORNEasked the Home Secretary whether he has received a report from the chief of police at New-castle-on-Tyne in connection with a national Fascist meeting where a number 1923 of people were injured; if a report has been received from the chief of police at Gateshead in connection with a meeting held at Gateshead Town Hall on Monday night; and whether the Government has yet decided to prohibit members of any organisation wearing political uniforms?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAs regards the first and last parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave yesterday to a question by the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Lawson). I have obtained a report from the Chief Constable of Gateshead, in regard to the meeting referred to in the second part of the question, from which it appears that the principal speaker at this meeting was Mr. John Beckett; there was some disorder before the meeting, but none at the meeting itself or afterwards.
§ Mr. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the chief stewards at all these meetings are armed with indiarubber tubing and in some cases knuckle dusters, and, if these people are entitled to use this kind of weapon, in the name of common sense are not ordinary citizens entitled to use them also?
§ Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSIs my right hon. Friend aware that I was speaking at Upton the other night and that the Socialists made it almost impossible for me to be heard?
§ Mr. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that on one Tuesday night it was almost impossible for me to speak?