§ 20. Mr. MAXTON (for Mr. McGOVERN)asked the Home Secretary whether he is prepared to inquire into the allegations of brutality by the police in the recent alleged rioting that occurred at Sheffield and Cumberland; and whether he is prepared to release the men who were arrested at these unemployed demonstrations?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have obtained full reports from the chief constables concerned, and as regards the first part of the question I have satisfied myself that there are no grounds for any action on my part. None of the defendants who were prosecuted in respect of these disturbances has been sentenced to imprisonment, and the second part of the question does not therefore arise.
§ Mr. MAXTONDo I understand that the only reports which the Home Secretary has are from the chief constables, against whom the allegations are made?
§ Sir J. GILMOURMost of these cases have been disposed of in open court, and the decisions were given on evidence taken on oath. It is on those grounds that I have" given my decision.