HC Deb 26 January 1954 vol 522 cc1596-7
31. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how long the police have been allowed to enter educational establishments for the purpose of investigating the activities of teachers with Communistic political convictions, and whether he will put a stop to such practices forthwith.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

It would be contrary to police practice to conduct investigations in this way and I know of no recent case in which they have done so.

Mr. Hamilton

I know of one such case. Does the Minister realise that, according to the headmaster who gave me the information, two plain clothes policemen recently entered his school and, without informing the individual concerned, asked about his Communistic affiliations as they affected his teaching? Will the Minister give specific instructions to the police force in Scotland that this practice must cease forthwith, and does not this, and other cases which I shall produce very soon, emphasise the absolute importance of having an investigation or inquiry into police methods in Scotland?

Mr. Stewart

I have no reason to believe that such an inquiry is desirable, but if the hon. Member can give particulars of the single case he has in mind, or others he may yet bring forward, we shall look at them.

Mr. Hamilton

The headmaster concerned has asked me not to reveal his name because he fears victimisation, but is the hon Gentleman aware that some of my constituents, other than teachers, have been approached by the police and asked about certain Communists in the area, and will he make an attempt to stop this?

Mr. Stewart

It is quite impossible for the hon. Member to ask us to do what he is asking if he does not give the evidence.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Does not my hon. Friend think it highly undesirable that any Communist should be teaching the children of Great Britain?

Mr. Hamilton

In view of the very unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.