HC Deb 25 April 1940 vol 360 cc357-9
38. Mr. R. C. Morrison

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that an organisation is at work in the London area stamping Fascist slogans on the walls of public buildings, upon church notice boards and upon official notice boards of local authorities; and, in view of recent revelations of Fascist activities preceding the invasion of Norway, whether and when he intends to take effective steps to deal with these activities?

Sir J. Anderson

Numerous cases have come under the notice of the police where Fascist slogans have been marked or pasted on property during the night. The police take such steps as are possible to deal with this nuisance by prosecuting the offenders when they are caught, and during the last few months several convictions have been secured.

Mr. Morrison

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the efforts of the police do not appear to be very energetic in this matter, particularly in working-class districts, and that when convictions have been secured the fines have been so trivial, and have generally been paid by much wealthier people who support Fascist organisations, as to create a very widespread impression, in the poorer districts of London especially, that there does not appear to be any energetic action contemplated against the Fascist party?

Sir J. Anderson

I can assure the hon. Member that there is no foundation for the suggestion that the authorities have not been in earnest in this matter, but these things are done under cover of darkness, and clearly it is very difficult to detect the offenders in the act. I am most anxious to do everything possible to put a stop to this nuisance.

Mr. Morrison

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the borough which I represent in the House, in the last fortnight over 1,000 notices have been stamped on public buildings, and does he mean to tell me that the police cannot find out who is doing this?

Sir J. Anderson

I should be glad to have a word with the hon. Member on the subject in order to see whether anything further can be done.

Sir Percy Harris

Is the Minister aware that these people are carrying out orders from their headquarters, and that the same system is followed, wherever this is done, under instructions? Will he endeavour to deal with the people who are responsible?

Sir J. Anderson

Certainly, I think that would be a much better method.

Mr. Thorne

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that recently these notices were plastered on the front walls and windows of my house; and if I catch the people doing it, what am I to do with them?

Sir J. Anderson

I feel confident in the discretion of the hon. Member.