§ 19. Mr. Piratinasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made by the police in tracing the assailants of the two Dalston boys on the night of 30th April; why the police at Stoke Newington and Dalston assured the boy's club leader that the boys would be safe; and in view of the anxiety of parents in the neighbourhood of Ridley Road, what steps is he taking to prevent further such attacks.
§ Mr. EdeI am informed that the extensive inquiries immediately instituted by the police into this attack are being vigorously pursued. The assurance in question was to the effect that the situation was generally quiet and was in accordance with the facts. The police are well aware of the possibility of trouble arising from the numerous political activities in the neighbourhood and do all they can to prevent it.
§ Mr. PiratinIs the Home Secretary aware that since 30th April there have been further assaults on boys and girls in the neighbourhood? Can he say whether he has taken measures to ensure that there are sufficient police in the neighbourhood to prevent these Fascist assaults taking place on these young people? Can he at the same time give the House an assurance that to ensure protection to the people of Hackney he will take measures at least as vigorous as those he took in ensuring the arrest of Herr Eisler?
§ Mr. EdeI do not think the two cases are at all parallel. I am quite prepared 601 to deal with Herr Eisler on the Question which concerns him. As far as the other part of the supplementary question is concerned, there have been one or two other assaults. I have no reason to think that they are connected with racial or political matters. I am assured that the most active steps are being taken by the police in an endeavour to trace the persons responsible for the outrages to which the hon. Member refers in his Question, and I shall see that they continue to take them.