§ 15. Mr. GALLACHERasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that official note-takers, accompanied by a plain-clothes police escort, took notes at the demonstration of the Youth Peace Assembly at Trafalgar Square, on Sunday, 7th June; whether such note-taking is done at all the meetings of the political parties associated with the present Government; and whether he will take steps to secure the abandonment of this practice involving, as it does, political discrimination and a waste of public funds?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Simon)The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that notes were taken by the police of some of the speeches made on this occasion. It is the practice to take such notes whenever the responsible authorities think that it is desirable to do so. I do not agree that this practice involves any political discrimination or any unnecessary waste of public funds, and I do not propose to interfere with the discretion of the Commissioner in the matter.
§ Mr. GALLACHERIs the Minister aware that, whenever I speak at a meeting, I have always the pleasure of the company of the police? Although I have made inquiries, I cannot find that the representatives of any parties on the other side are ever interfered with in that way. Does not the right hon. Gentleman recognise that it is a deliberate interference to have the police round the platform ostentatiously taking notes?
§ Mr. A. HENDERSONWould the right lion. Gentleman say whether an official shorthand writer was present at the meeting of the 1900 Club addressed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONWould the Home Secretary be so good as to inform the House whether it is the custom of the police to take a note of proceedings at Fascist meetings?
§ Sir J. SIMONFrom time to time that is done, and I had that in mind when I said that there is no political discrimination.