§ 32. Mr. Glenvil Hallasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the home of Mr. Beynon, a reputable member and official of the local Labour Party in Soham, Cambridgeshire, was recently entered by the police who removed a copy of Lord Addison's "A Policy for Agriculture," the Duchess of Atholl's "Searchlight on Spain," and issues of "Your Britain," published by the Labour party, none of which has been returned; and whether he will state why this action was taken?
§ Sir J. AndersonI have made inquiry and am informed that as a result of information which reached the police it was thought desirable to interview Mr. Beynon, who made a statement and handed to the police certain books and periodicals. I understand that these have been returned to Mr. Beynon, and that he has been informed that no further action is being taken. It is clear that there is no ground for any complaint against Mr. Beynon.
§ Mr. HallIs it not rather high-handed for the police to invade the home of a perfectly respectable citizen in this way, purely on hearsay evidence which was found to have no ground whatever in fact when they went there, and to take away literature of this kind; and will the right hon. Gentleman at least ask the police to realise what is and what is not subversive literature?
§ Mr. Maxton rose
§ Sir J. AndersonI think the House will realise that these are exceptional times, and that if steps were not taken to follow up promptly information relating to matters which appear to call for action, our national safety might be prejudiced.
§ Mr. Benjamin SmithMay I ask that when such action is taken the person who suffers this indignity should at least have the right to know who had reported him?