25. Mr. Davidsonasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the British Union of Fascists transferred their books, files, stationery and propaganda effects to two ground-floor rooms in Paddington, using two commercial vans marked with the letters "W.D.", and having the War Department arrow-head sign; and what action has been taken?
§ Sir J. AndersonI have ascertained that the removal was carried out by a removal contractor, who used for the purpose a van on which the letters "W.D." had been painted last year when it was employed on a Government contract at Aldershot. This marking has now been removed, and the owner of the van has been cautioned.
Mr. DavidsonDoes not the right hon. Gentleman really think that under his own instructions his Department ought to have been able to stop such a thing before it actually took place? Is this organisation being watched carefully?
§ Sir J. AndersonYes, Sir. The organisation is being watched carefully.
26. Mr. Davidsonasked the Home Secretary whether he has a list of the private houses where official Fascist propaganda is printed on silent duplicating machines; whether he is aware of the police and public anxiety regarding the growing number of incidents arising from the open distribution of such propaganda; and what action he has taken?
§ Sir J. AndersonInquiries and searches are being undertaken by the police where there is any suspicion of current Fascist activities, and my information is that the steps taken for dealing with the organisation and active members of the British Union have been effective. An order has now been made under the Defence Regulations which makes it an offence to issue propaganda on behalf of this organisation, and the police have been instructed to take appropriate steps if there is any contravention of the Regulation.
Mr. DavidsonDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree with the statement in the Question that these incidents, particularly in the Paddington area, are creating concern both to the police and to the public?
§ Sir J. AndersonI have no information to the effect that that practice is being carried on.
§ Sir H. WilliamsDoes the same answer apply to Communist propaganda on noisy duplicating machines?
§ Sir J. AndersonThat is a separate question.
41. Mr. Davidsonasked the Home Secretary whether any restrictions have been placed on the movements and activities of Lady Pearson, who founded a Fascist branch in this country, and what are the extent of such restrictions?
§ Sir J. AndersonBy an order made against her on 8th June under Regulation 18A of the Defence Regulations, Lady Pearson is precluded from being in any area which is a protected area under the Aliens (Protected Areas) Orders and is also required to notify the police of any change of address.
Mr. DavidsonCan the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that no modification of those restrictions will take place because of the fact that this lady is related to a Member of the Government?
§ Mr. BensonWhy was not this lady interned?
§ Sir J. AndersonPerhaps I ought to tell the House that the decision taken in this matter was taken by me personally after consideration of the facts reported by the local police and that no extraneous consideration or argument whatsoever was taken into account.
Mr. DavidsonDid the right hon. Gentleman take into account the anxiety of public opinion with regard to the freedom of this lady while others are being interned and committed to prison?
§ Sir J. AndersonI try to take all relevant considerations into account in these matters.