§ 38. Sir H. Williamsasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that opposition at public meetings under the auspices of the Ministry of Information comes mainly from Communists and sympathisers with Communism; and whether he will accord to them the same treatment as that accorded to the Fascist variety of State Socialism?
§ Sir J. AndersonAccording to my information, there has been very little opposition at these meetings, except at some of the meetings held in Hyde Park. There, I understand that there has been some heckling, but nothing requiring police intervention. When anything occurs at a public meeting which calls for action on the part of the police, they carry out their duties without regard to the political opinions of the individuals causing trouble.
§ Sir H. WilliamsIs my right hon. Friend aware that the gentlemen who were heckling me in Hyde Park last Friday were using Moscow-inspired slogans and were obviously opposed to the war effort?
§ Sir J. AndersonI know something about that meeting. I think my hon. Friend will admit that he made some rather challenging remarks.
§ Mr. GallacherWould the Minister not provide for the hon. Member's protection by inviting Himmler over here?
§ 61. Mr. Gallacherasked the Home Secretary whether he will give the House his reasons for the measures taken to stop the circulation of the Communist party document which advocated the removal of the men of Munich, and the formation of a people's Government?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe hon. Gentleman's description of the leaflet in question is incomplete. The numerous reports which I received about the resentment aroused by the dissemination of this pamphlet among persons who did not wish to receive it showed that its distribution was likely to lead to breaches of the peace and that it was, therefore, the duty of the police to take action in respect of it.
§ Mr. GallacherHas not the Minister given a solemn assurance that he would not use his very great powers for interfering with the expression of political opinions; and is he not further aware that the two Members who raised the question in this House were until recently notorious for their open, pro-Fascist sympathies?