HC Deb 24 March 1949 vol 463 cc543-4
33. Mr. Piratin

asked the Scretary of State for the Home Department how many horses, cars and other vehicles were employed by the police in connection with the Fascist march through North-East London on 20th March.

Mr. Ede

Thirty-eight horses, 16 cars and 27 other vehicles, including 11 motorcycles.

Mr. Piratin

How does the Home Secretary justify the use of several hundred policemen and these vehicles for the purpose of protecting Mosley thugs last Sunday? Would it not have been advisable in the circumstances to have prevented that demonstration from taking place, on the advice of prominent East London citizens and M.P.s?

Mr. Ede

No, it is my duty to ensure that the peace is preserved. I regret that it was necessary to use so large a force.

Mr. Skinnard

Could my right hon. Friend inform the House how many police horses were seriously injured during the demonstration.

Mr. Ede

I am glad to say that the attempts of the persons who endeavoured to obstruct the police and injure the horses were completely unsuccessful.

Forward to