HC Deb 24 July 1946 vol 426 cc9-10
2. Mr. Marples

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if his attention has been called to the disturbances in which Air Force personnel were involved which took place at the Services Club in Piccadilly, Manchester, at approximately 1 a.m., on Sunday, 30th June; and if he will ensure that sufficient military police are available on these premises to prevent future disturbances.

The Under-Seeretary of State for Air (Mr. Geoffrey de Freitas)

Yes, Sir. I am sorry that members of the Royal Air Force should have been involved in these disturbances. We shall do all we can to see that this does not happen again, but the hon. Member will, I feel sure, realise that none of the Service Departments is responsible for these premises, which are used as a voluntary club. Of course, the Service police work with the civil police in keeping order in Manchester and other cities.

Mr. Marples

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the premises were not involved in the fracas, but R.A.F. personnel? Will he take adequate steps to see that R.A.F. personnel are adequately supervised by their own military police? Is he further aware that innocent bystanders, including the hon. Member for Wallasey, were involved?

Mr. de Freitas

I was aware that the premises were not involved, but that men were. But the point, surely, is that the premises are a private club. As for the second point, I was informed that the hon. Member was there.

Mr. Marples

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these disturbances occur quite regularly, according to the information I received when I was on the spot? It is disgraceful that they should occur be- tween black and white personnel, and that is what is happening.

Mr. de Freitas

I have no information that they occur frequently. There have from time to time been complaints. There is in this particular case no evidence that the initial trouble was caused by black Service personnel.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Will the hon. Gentleman see that the strength of the police in the R.A.F. is not increased as a result of this Question? The R.A.F. is quite capable of looking after itself.

Mr. de Freitas

I thank the hon. and gallant Gentleman for that assurance.