HC Deb 01 August 1946 vol 426 cc1194-5
19. Brigadier Head

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why two members of the police force called on Mr. Charles Walter, 53, Fleet Street, E.C.4, to investigate the identity of Mr. Fred Karno; and if he will prevent such wasteful employment of public servants in future.

Mr. Ede

The visit to which I presume the hon. Member refers took place in June, 1945, and was not for the purpose suggested in the Question.

Brigadier Head

While thanking the Home Secretary for his most reassuring reply, may I ask him if he does not agree that the comparison by Mr. Walter of the Lord President to Mr. Fred Karno was somewhat unfair to the latter and that a well developed sense of humour gives a lot of pleasure to a lot of people?

Mr. Ede

Not nearly as much satisfaction as my right hon. Friend gives to everybody. This action was taken in June, 1945, when Sir Donald Somervell was Home Secretary.