HC Deb 25 June 1936 vol 313 cc1943-4
36. Mr. WATKINS

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that existing police action has failed to prevent the growth of Jew-baiting in Hackney; and what further action he intends to take?

Sir J. SIMON

As I have informed the House, special steps are already being taken by the police to deal with this matter. I am, moreover, at present in consultation with the Commissioner on the question whether any further measures are necessary, and can be devised to put a stop to incidents which we all agree cannot be tolerated.

Mr. WATKINS

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that, in spite of the efforts that have been made up to the present, this practice is growing, that deplorable incidents are of daily and nightly occurrence in Hackney, and would it be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to deal with the central organisation which inspires all these wretched activities?

Sir J. SIMON

I think the hon. Gentleman knows that I do not take this matter lightly at all. Very great attention is being paid to it both by the Commissioner and by myself, and I think that the consideration now being given to it must be left to produce its results.

Mr. J. HALL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at a recent meeting of the Stepney Borough Council a resolution was passed calling attention to the fact that the police in the district showed a partiality towards the Fascists and, as far as possible, allowed them to do exactly what they liked?

Sir J. SIMON

No, Sir, I was unaware of that, and if such a resolution as tint were sent to me, I should have an answer to make to it. We may feel very gravely disturbed about this situation, but there is no justification for saying that the police are partial in the matter.

Mr. GALLACHER

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that if the police protection were withdrawn, this organisation would peter out completely?

Sir J. SIMON

I think that if police protection were completely withdrawn—[Interruption.]—May I ask the hon. Member to attend to my answer? I think that he will appreciate that, if police protection were entirely withdrawn, there might be a riot, and I am sure that he does not desire that to happen.

Mr. GALLACHER

No.

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