§ 71. Mr. Piratinasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement with regard to the attempt to burn the Clapton Synagogue on Friday night, 13th December; and what reports he has had from the police regarding the activities of the National Guard in whose name this outrage was perpetrated.
§ Mr. OliverOn the night of 12th December an unsuccessful attempt was made to burn certain parchment scrolls in Clapton Synagogue. Police inquiries are proceeding, and my right hon. Friend is not at present in a position to make any statement.
§ Mr. PiratinOn the basis that the Minister is as anxious to clear up this position as is the whole House and the public, 2169 may I ask him to speed up the investigations, for there is deep anxiety in East London, not only amongst Jewish people, but amongst all people of good will, that this should happen in our country?
§ Mr. H. HyndBefore the Minister replies, is he aware that this is only one of many evidences of a recurrence of anti-Semitic action in that district?
§ Mr. OliverThe matter is now being investigated and I cannot comment on it whilst it is under investigation—
§ Mr. H. HyndIs the whole matter being investigated?
§ Mr. Oliver—but the hon. Member may rest assured that all relevant facts will be taken into account.