HC Deb 23 February 1943 vol 387 cc27-8
42. Mr. Thorne

asked the Home Secretry whether he can give any information in connection with the police raid made on a Hammersmith club; how many names were taken; and whether any of them were women and men of military age?

Mr. Peake

I presume my hon. Friend is referring to the Old Oak Club and Institute, which was entered by police officers under a search warrant on 13th February, there being reason to suspect illegal sales of intoxicating liquor. The action to be taken is at present under consideration. The number of persons on the premises was 219, which included 48 men and 21 women within the age limits for service with the Forces, but the police are satisfied that all of them were engaged on essential work, and were not evading military service.

Mr. Thorne

Does it not seem rather strange that this number of men and women in this club were of military age and doing practically no work of any importance?

Mr. Peake

Most of the men in this club, I am informed, are employed on the Great Western Railway, and most of the women on munition undertakings in the district.

Mr. Thorne

But that is ordinary work; that is not work outside their ordinary employment.