HC Deb 24 February 1949 vol 461 cc2008-9
11. Mr. William Shepherd

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if be is aware of the increasing anti-Semitism of the Mosley organisation; and whether he is taking any steps to avoid possible breaches of the peace.

Mr. Ede

While Union Movement speakers have in recent weeks more openly spoken against the Jews, they attract little public attention and there has been no increase of disorder on that account. The preservation of the peace is the responsibility of the police, who take adequate steps to that end.

Mr. Shepherd

Does the Home Secretary realise that if he allows these people to start a wave of anti-Semitism or propaganda against the Jews it will be very disturbing to the public life of this country? If he listens, as I did the other Sunday, to these men talking he cannot be proud of allowing these things to continue here?

Mr. Ede

I regret that this kind of speech should be made. Such speeches are carefully reported, and the observations made are submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions. I was helped on one occasion when a prosecution was undertaken, by an hon. Member who sent a report of what he had heard, and on that occasion the prosecution was brought to a successful conclusion. If any other hon. Member feels that it is consistent with his public duty to render similar assistance, I shall be greatly obliged, because it is desirable, if possible, that corroboration of police evidence should be available.