HC Deb 23 July 1951 vol 491 cc25-7
36. Mr. Marlowe

asked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been drawn to a recent speech of Mr. Arthur Horner threatening strikes in the event of a Conservative Government being elected; and whether he will submit the text of the speech to the Director of Public Prosecu- tions for consideration of the question of taking proceedings under Section 2 of the Corrupt and Illegal Practices Prevention Act, 1883, for the criminal offence of undue influence upon electors.

The Attorney-General

The reports of the speech which I have seen do not in my opinion disclose a prima facie case of the commission of any criminal offence.

Mr. Marlowe

Has the right hon. and learned Gentleman read the report in the "Daily Herald" that made it very clear that an offence might have been committed under this Section? Does he not agree that it is a very wide Section, making it an offence to use words which amount to a threat of force or duress of any kind, or, in the words of the Section, "any fraudulent device" to delude the electorate? Further, will the Attorney-General give an assurance that he is not in any way motivated by the fact that if an offence has been committed by this gentleman on this occasion, there might be a great difficulty over the fact that the Secretary of State for the Colonies was present as an aider and abettor and should also be indicted?

Hon. Members

Answer.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Has the attention of the Attorney- General been drawn to the speech made by the Leader of the Opposition on this question during the week- end? What action is he taking against the Leader of the Opposition for insulting our intelligence by saying that he has always been the miners' friend?

Mr. Speaker

Wing Commander Bullus.

Mr. Marlowe

On a point of order. I exercised my right to put a supplementary question to the Attorney-General. It has not been answered. Might I have an answer, Mr. Speaker?

Mr. Speaker

To tell the truth, I rather objected to the hon. and learned Gentleman's supplementary question. He accused a Minister, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, of being an aider and abettor of what was an offence. That was most improper. For that reason did not call upon the hon. and learned Member for another supplementary.

Mr. Marlowe

I made it clear, Sir, that the question was put to the AttorneyGeneral—[HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw."] I withdraw nothing—

Mr. Speaker

Is this a point of order to me, or a question to the Minister?

Mr. Marlowe

It is a point of order to you, Sir.

Mr. Speaker

Then put it to me.

Mr. Marlowe

I made it clear, Sir, that the question I put to the Attorney-General was an inquiry whether the Colonial Secretary was an aider and abettor. In any event, having regard to the fact that my supplementary question was not answered, I beg to give notice that I shall take an early opportunity of raising the matter.