HL Deb 27 February 1951 vol 170 cc593-4

2.37 p.m.

LORD CROOK

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government what is the Ex-Service Movement for Peace and what is known of this organisation.]

THE LORD CHANCELLOR (VIS-COUNT JOWITT)

My Lords, this body professes to be a non political organisation of ex-Service men and women, but its practical purpose would appear to be to promote the campaign of the Communist Party to hinder our defence effort.

LORD CROOK

My Lords, I thank the noble and learned Viscount the Lord Chancellor for his reply. May I ask whether he can inform the House of the origin of this Movement?

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords, this so-called Movement for Peace was founded in 1950 by a Captain Gaitt, believed to be a Communist, who acts as its secretary, the business of the Movement being carried on from his address. The first meeting of the Movement was held at Holborn Town Hall on November 25, 1950, for the purpose of hearing a report by Captain Gaitt on the World Peace Congress held in Warsaw.

LORD CROOK

I thank the noble and learned Viscount for his answer, which so graphically reveals this further attempt of the Communist movement to cloak itself in various guises.

LORD HAWKE

Can the noble and learned Viscount say what is the source of the funds of this Movement?

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

I do not know that. I have no doubt that the matter will be kept under observation.