§ 68. Mr. Donnerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the highly organised Communist demonstration lasting for several hours immediately outside the Palace of 1340 Westminster on 22nd October, the police are empowered to take the names and addresses of such persons with a view to inquiring into their occupations and activities; whether the police took such action on this occasion; and whether he will give an assurance that this will be done in similar circumstances in the future.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Younger)My right hon. Friend has made inquiries and has been informed that on the occasion in question the police in attendance had no cause to take names and addresses, since in their view no breach of the Sessional Orders of this House, or of the law, was being committed.
§ Mr. DonnerAs the majority of these people were young men of working age, would it not be prudent to inquire into their activities?
§ Mr. YoungerNo, Sir.