§ 51. Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is in a position to make any statement regarding the disturbances arising out of the Fascist meeting in the Usher Hall, Edinburgh, on Friday, 15th May?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Lieut.-Colonel Colville)I am informed that during the meeting referred to disturbances occurred in the hall and that a number of persons, after repeated warnings, were forcibly ejected by the stewards. Five persons were handed over to the police, and the question as to whether proceedings should be taken against them for alleged offences is now being investigated. Compaints of assault on the part of stewards were made to the police, and three stewards were subsequently identified as having taken part in alleged assaults. The question of taking proceedings against these stewards and also against one other prominent Fascist, who was alleged to have committed an assault, is under investigation. There was very little trouble amongst the large crowd which assembled in the vicinity of the hall, but during the evening outside the hall, five men and one woman were arrested and certain charges made against them. At the Sheriff Court on Tuesday, the 19th instant, three of the men pled guilty. One was sentenced to 30 days' imprisonment, and two were each sentenced to pay a fine of £2 with the alternative of 20 days' imprisonment. Two pled not guilty and were released on bail, and trial was fixed for the 6th July, 1936. In the case of the woman, the charge was withdrawn because of her mental condition.
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEWhile thanking the hon. and gallant Gentleman for his reply, may we have an assurance in regard to these disorderly scenes which are frequently associated with meetings of this body, that if there are further meetings in Scotland he will see that there are people who are able to supply adequate evidence with regard 1634 to the particular quarter from which the violence originates?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEAs I have explained, the matter is under inquiry at the present time, and if sufficient evidence is forthcoming, the authorities will take action. With regard to the question which the hon. Member raises, I will bear it in mind, but there is no evidence to show that due precautions on this occasion were not in fact taken.
§ Mr. MESSERDo the Government not think it advisable to introduce legislation making it illegal for political parties to wear uniforms?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEIt is a matter of indifference to the Crown authorities what colour of shirt a breaker of the law wears. If evidence is forthcoming that the law has been broken, proper action will be taken.