HC Deb 16 November 1944 vol 404 cc2099-100
26. Earl Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has considered the speech of Mr. Abrahams, editor of the "Jewish Standard," at a recent public meeting in London, a copy of which has been sent him, accusing the Government of Palestine of having an anti-Jewish bias and the Palestinian constabulary of being partly composed of former members of the British Union of Fascists; and if, in view of the damage which these untrue statements may do in Palestine in its disturbed condition, he will take action against Mr. Abrahams under the Emergency Powers Act.

Mr. H. Morrison

I have seen the report of this speech, and I appreciate the reasons which had led my Noble Friend to bring-it to my notice. The decision whether proceedings should be taken does not, however, rest with me, and I am, therefore, sending the papers to the proper authorities for consideration.

Mr. Mander

Will my right hon. Friend not countenance the idea that we should try to put into prison those people with whose ideas we do not happen to agree?

Earl Winterton

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker, I would ask for your protection on the charge made by the hon. Gentleman; and I would call attention to the fact that the gentleman in question has subsequently condoned, in an article which he wrote in his paper, murder in Palestine. I ask that the hon. Gentleman who has made a most serious charge against me, should be asked to withdraw it.

Mr. Mander

I ask for your protection, Mr. Speaker, against the Noble Lord, and call upon him to withdraw the disgraceful charge he has made against me.

Mr. Speaker

It is unfortunate when people, in asking supplementary questions, make personal allegations at Question Time, and I deprecate it.

Hon. Members

Withdraw.