HC Deb 05 April 1939 vol 345 cc2786-7
71. Dr. Edith Summerskill

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of a boy, Leslie Silverberg, aged 14, of Wapping, who was beaten with an iron bar by youths professing Fascist sympathies; and whether he will consider augmenting the police in the East End, with special instructions to detect and punish Jew-baiting?

Sir S. Hoare

According to a statement made by Leslie Silverberg to the police, he was walking along High Street, Wapping, when a group of about eight lads between 15 and 17 years old kicked a football at him. He ran away but they chased and caught him, asked him whether he was a Jew, and punched him on the face, causing a cut on his lip. He informed the police that one of the lads had a piece of iron in his hand, but he was not actually threatened or struck with it. Silverberg reported the incident at Wapping Police Station, and a constable accompanied him to the spot, but the assailants had disappeared, and Silverberg was unable to furnish their description. The hon. Member may be assured that all necessary steps are and will be taken by the police to prevent any recrudescence of Jew-baiting in the East End.

Dr. Summerskill

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Jewish people in the East End are terrorised by these gangs, and in view of the frequency of unprovoked incidents of this kind has not the time come when he should take stronger action?

Sir S. Hoare

I am always watching the situation very carefully, and as a result of the action we have taken—the prohibition of processions, and so on—I can tell the House that there have been very few incidents of this kind in recent weeks.

Dr. Summerskill

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he observed a case two weeks ago when at a political meeting a Fascist got up—

Mr. Speaker rose—