HC Deb 17 March 1949 vol 462 c2270
36. Mr. Anthony Greenwood

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what reports he has received from police officers who attended a meeting at Ridley Road on the 6th March, 1949; and what action he proposes to take in respect of the speech delivered on that occasion by a Mr. Victor Burgess.

Mr. Ede

I have received a report from the Commissioner of Police on this meeting, which had a maximum attendance of 25 persons. I am not a prosecuting authority and do not initiate criminal proceedings, but I have sent the papers to the Director of Public Prosecutions for his consideration.

Mr. Henry Strauss

Did this man incite his audience against any part of the population by describing them as lower than vermin?

Mr. Ede

In view of the fact that these papers are before the Director of Public Prosecutions it would be inadvisable for me to comment on any statement that was made at the meeting.