HC Deb 11 November 1937 vol 328 cc1837-9
56. Captain Ramsay

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give the House any information as to the number of processions in which Fascist contingents have taken part which have taken place this year, and the number of processions in which Communist contingents have taken part?

Sir S. Hoare

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that there have been 110 processions by Fascist contingents and 61 processions by Communist contingents in the Metropolitan Police district during the current year. I regret that I have no information about areas outside the Metropolitan Police district.

Captain Ramsay

Can my right hon. Friend inform me of any case of a refusal of consent?

Sir S. Hoare

I should have to make inquiries.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister not aware that workers of all kinds in Bermondsey opposed the deliberately provocative demonstration of the Fascists?

Sir S. Hoare

I am aware of the fact that public opinion generally strongly objects to these provocative processions, by whomsoever they are arranged.

57. Captain Ramsay

asked the Home Secretary whether he will inform the House as to the number of cases of assaults on or violent resistance to the police committed by the Communists and their sympathisers during any processions organised by Fascists, and the corresponding figures for assaults committed by members of the Fascist organisations during processions organised by Communists?

Sir S. Hoare

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that during the period from 1st January, 1936, to 31st October, 1937, the number of cases of the kind referred to in the Metropolitan Police district were respectively 104 and two. I regret that I have no information as regards the remainder of the country.

Mr. Gallacher

Arising out of that answer —

Mr. Speaker

I have called on the next question.

Mr. Gallacher

I have a right to put a supplementary question.

Mr. Speaker

If hon. Members put so many supplementary questions it means that other Members will be prevented from putting their questions.

Mr. Gallacher

On a point of Order. This question is deliberately directed against me and my associates, and surely I have a right to ask a supplementary question?

Mr. Speaker

There are so many questions which affect the representatives of groups of people.

Mr. Gallacher

Further to that point of Order. This question is deliberately directed against me and my associates. Surely, in ordinary justice, when a question is put down which is directed against a Member of the House he has a right to ask a supplementary question, and I wanted to ask a supplementary question.

Viscountess Astor

So did I.