HC Deb 16 December 1943 vol 395 cc1670-1
25. Mr. Mander

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the activities of the Britons Publishing Society, 40, Great Ormond Street, London, which specialises in anti-Semitic literature; whether he is aware that before the war the Nazi party of Great Britain had offices at this address; and whether he will keep a careful watch on the society's activities?

Mr. H. Morrison

Yes, Sir. Attention has been paid for a number of years to the activities of this so-called society, which is in fact a propaganda bureau run by a single individual, whose influence and importance are negligible. Attention will continue to be paid to him, but it has been the clearly expressed wish of Parliament that there should be as little interference as possible with the free expression of opinion, and I have no power to put a stop to this individual's activities merely because his propaganda is abhorrent to all right-minded people. I presume that the second part of the Question refers to the National Workers' Party of Great Britain. This organisation rented two rooms from the Britons Publishing Society from the beginning of 1936 until the beginnig of 1937, when it ceased to function. It also bought some propaganda material from the society.

Mr. Mander

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this society is still circulating to people in this country the well-known forgery, the "Protocols of Zion," and attempting to prove that the Jews, and not Hitler, are responsible for this war? Is he aware also that the man who is now president of the society was interned for three years, in South Africa? Will he give consideration to the spread of literature of this kind?

Mr. Morrison

Certainly I will keep those points in mind, but, if I may say so, I would suggest that my hon. Friend should not work himself up into too nervous a condition about this body—if it can be called a body.

Earl Winterton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some of us are anxious over the desire of some Members to get people locked up, not because they have done anything but because they have propounded views which are unpalatable to those members?

Mr. Morrison

I entirely agree, and I think it is particularly unfortunate when those demands come from the Liberal benches. The House may be sure that in a proper way I will keep the Liberal flag flying at the Home Office.

Mr. Holdsworth

Will my right hon. Friend trust the common sense of the British people?

Mr. Mander

Is my right hon. Friend aware that my sole anxiety in this matter is public security?