§ 14. Mr. Kirbyasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a tea and cake party was held at the German Consulate in Liverpool on Saturday last which many Germans attended; that the swastika emblem was displayed over the doorway and that Nazis in uniform were at the entrance; that this gathering caused resentment among loyal residents of Liverpool who assembled in large numbers necessitating the use of large numbers of police; and can he take steps to have this Consulate run on lines that are less provocative?
§ Mr. ButlerI understand that about 20 persons attended a social gathering at the German Consulate at Liverpool on 15th July. Some police officers were stationed in the vicinity as a precautionary measure, but the few persons who had assembled in front of the Consulate dispersed without any serious incidents. The police saw no German nationals in uniform, and there is nothing abnormal in the German national emblem being displayed on the premises of a German Consulate. In these circumstances by Noble Friend does not consider that any action is called for in the sense suggested in the last part of the question.
§ Mr. KirbyMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman to keep a close watch on the actions of this Consulate in Liverpool; otherwise I am afraid there will be a serious incident one of these days?
§ Mr. ButlerI have investigated the case which the hon. Member brought to my notice, and I did not find the matter quite so serious as indicated in the hon. Member's question.
§ Mr. MesserMay I ask whether the wearing of a Nazi uniform would be an offence under the Act prohibiting the wearing of political uniforms?
§ Mr. ButlerI cannot say