HC Deb 20 September 1939 vol 351 cc952-4
65. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Lord Advocate if he is aware that William Kane and D. Livingston were arrested while handing out leaflets near Howden's engineering shop, Glasgow, taken to the police station and informed that they would be charged under the Defence of the Realm Act; that one of the officers, after an examination of the Act, suggested to another that the Section dealing with Liable to mislead and disrupt might be used; that they were searched and all their personal property taken; that they were then kept in a cell for four hours after which they were liberated with a warning that they must not distribute any more leaflets till the present charge was dealt with; that Livingston's membership card of the Young Communist League was retained; and can he say in what way people will be protected against such arbitrary treatment?

Mr. Colville

I am aware that William Kane and D. Livingston were arrested on suspicion of a contravention of the Defence Regulations for distributing leaflets outside the works of Messrs. James Howden, engineers. After full investigation it was decided not to proceed with a prosecution, and the men were released and their property returned. With regard to the last part of the question, I am satisfied that no action on my part is called for.

Mr. Gallacher

Is it not a complete travesty of anything in the name of liberty and democracy? [Interruption.] On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker, when I am in the midst of asking a supplementary question, have I not the right to claim your protection, if hon. Members interrupt me?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member is asking a supplementary question on a pure matter of opinion.

Mr. Gallacher

It affects the law of the country and the power of the police, and on that I am asking a question of the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Mr. Speaker

The right hon. Gentleman has replied, and in his supplementary the hon. Member asks a question which is a pure matter of opinion.

Mr. Gallacher

May I ask whether the Secretary of State for Scotland is prepared to take any action to stop this utterly unjustifiable action on the part of the police?

Mr. Colville

I am fully aware of the circumstances of this case and, knowing the circumstances, I cannot describe the action of the police as unjustifiable.

Mr. Logan

In regard to the distribution of leaflets of this description when the nation is in such a dangerous position, can the right hon. Gentleman say that active steps are taken to protect law-abiding citizens?

Sir W. Davison

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a leaflet signed by Sir Oswald Mosley is being circulated asking that every opportunity should be taken by members of his organisation to awaken the people and to demand peace?

Mr. McGovern

Can the right hon. Gentleman state how the Glasgow action compares with the Moscow action in regard to Trotsky?