§ 54. Mr. Silvermanasked the Home Secretary, in view of his decision that the Communist Party of Great Britain is not loyal to this country, what steps he intends to take to dissolve that organisation and /or to prosecute its members?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonIn a free country where the laws are so framed as to allow the utmost liberty for expressions of opinion and to prevent any undue interference with political propaganda it is a mistake to infer that if the law is not set in motion there is no disloyalty. The fact that no action has been taken against this Party is not a testimony to their loyalty: it is a testimony to the liberality of our laws and the desire of the Government to made the minimum use—even in time of war—of repressive measures. So long as security considerations permit I am anxious to avoid taking such steps for the suppression of the Communist Party or the prosecution of its members as my hon. Friend appears to suggest.
§ Mr. SilvermanDoes my right hon. Friend think it fair or consistent with his duty that he should make charges in this House and the persons accused have no adequate opportunity of answering them?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe persons concerned have an honourable and eloquent Member in this House to express their opinions, which he frequently does.
§ Mr. SilvermanDoes my right hon. Friend not appreciate that he also distinguishes in his own actions—
§ Mr. Speaker rose—
§ Mr. SilvermanMay I not put my question in another way?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member has had his answer.
§ Mr. SilvermanIn that case, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter again.