HC Deb 04 December 1947 vol 445 cc544-5
7. Mr. William Shepherd

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any conditions relating to political activity were attached to the release of Sir Oswald Mosley.

Mr. Ede

The conditions attached under Defence Regulation 18B to the release of Sir Oswald Mosley from detention amounted to a complete prohibition of all forms of political activity; they ceased to have effect on the 9th May, 1945, when that defence regulation was revoked.

Mr. Shepherd

Can the Home Secretary tell the House whether the regulation prohibiting the use of uniforms still applies?

Mr. Ede

That is not a regulation; that is an Act which was passed before the outbreak of war, and is still in full force. For the benefit of anybody who might be contemplating breaking it, I would state that it will be most strictly enforced.

Mr. Wyatt

Could my right hon. Friend say whether, in view of the recent statements made by Sir Oswald Mosley, he will consider introducing a law which will make it illegal to propagand either for racial discrimination or for denouncing Parliament and its institutions?

Mr. Ede

I gave an answer last week which indicated that the matters generally connected with the subjects named by my hon. Friend are engaging my attention, in consultation with the Law Officers.

Mrs. Manning

Would my right hon. Friend say whether he does not consider the propagation of the idea in this country of the one-party State is subversive?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Lady's question is a little wide. The Question only asked whether any conditions relating to political activity were attached to his release at the time.