HC Deb 29 February 1940 vol 357 cc2240-1
29. Captain Alan Graham

asked the Home Secretary whether, for the better prosecution of the present war, he is taking steps to correlate the activities of his Department in regard to Communists with those undertaken for the same purpose by the Government of the French Republic, in view of the essentially international character of this menace?

Sir J. Anderson

These are matters on which, by common understanding, the Governments of France and the United Kingdom reserve their discretion to take whatever measures they consider fit for the preservation of internal security, in the light of domestic circumstances. While there is no desire to interfere with the free expression of opinion in this country, a very careful watch is being kept on subversive movements carried on under the cloak of legitimate political activities.

Mr. Gallacher

As a representative of the party in question, might I ask the Minister if he will take no further steps to interfere with the liberty of the subject of this country, in view of the wide powers, he already has for repressive action?

Sir J. Anderson

I do not recognise myself as having taken any steps for the suppression of liberty.