HC Deb 13 April 1961 vol 638 cc476-7
32. Miss Bacon

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that, following a meeting on the night of Wednesday 15th March, the windows of the Salem Congregational Church, Leeds, were broken and considerable damage done; and, since the wreckers stuck on the building printed labels bearing the name and address of the British National Party, 74, Princedale Road, London, W.11, what action he proposes to take to deal with Fascist activities of this kind in the country.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I am informed that damage was limited to the breaking of two windows about four inches square, and that a few small printed labels were fixed to the notice board. I understand from the chief constable that, despite extensive inquiries, responsibility for the damage has not been established.

With reference to the last part of the Question, I do not doubt that the police make full use of the powers already available, and on the information before me I do not think that further powers are needed.

Miss Bacon

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his information is probably wrong, in that I am told that some £20 to £30 worth of damage was done? Far from only two small labels being stuck on, I have in my hand three or four labels which are only a few of those that were stuck on. Is he aware that this disturbance took place, not during, but after a meeting addressed by my right hon. Friend the Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths)? This was not a brawl at a meeting; these Fascist thugs came in vehicles after the place was closed—when the place was deserted except for the caretaker—and systematically began to break the windows. Is it not really astonishing that in this day, in Britain, these activities could go on?

Mr. Butler

I should be very much obliged if the hon. Lady, or her right hon. Friend the Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths), who has spoken to me about this, could provide me with any further information that would lead to successful inquiries by the police. Short of that, the police have not been able to track this, and I should be grateful for any extra information.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Will the right hon Gentleman consider one fact revealed quite clearly? On the notices, presumably stuck up by the people who committed the damage, appeared the name of an organisation and an address in London? Will the Home Secretary therefore consider whether he can take steps to deal with people responsible for actions of this kind, whose address is known?

Mr. Butler

I will certainly endeavour to see whether any following-up can be done on the basis of the address. We should then have to establish complicity in this event on the part of certain persons and, on that, I should like help.