§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the assault committed by the police on Mrs. F. E. Smith, who was arrested on the 10th instant, under the mistaken belief on the part of the police that she was Mrs. Pankhurst, and seriously injured whilst being arrested; whether it is proposed to compensate Mrs. Smith for the injuries which she sustained; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the charges 1287W against the police on the occasion referred to, and take such action as may be necessary to prevent any recurrence of further cause for these oft-repeated charges?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe reports I have received show that Mrs. Smith was not assaulted by the police, but that both she and the police were pushed and thrown on the ground by the pressure of an excited crowd. The police were assaulted by Mrs. Smith's friends, who purported to be present as Mrs. Pankhurst's bodyguard, and were armed with small Indian clubs. Mrs. Smith, who was charged with obstruction, was certified by a lady doctor to be unable to attend at the Police Court next day owing to bruises; but I am glad to say she was not so injured as to prevent her attendance at a meeting of the Women's Social and Political Union a few days later. There can be no question of compensation, and I fear my influence with the Women's Social and Political Union is insufficient to prevent the recurrence of unfounded charges against the police.