HC Deb 29 June 1921 vol 143 c2178W
Mr. HAYDAY

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the police raided premises in Knight's Hill, Norwood, where there is a small printing press for the production of the "Norwood Pioneer," a local Labour journal; that the police found nothing of an incriminating character; whether the raid was made in consequence of the receipt of an anonymous letter; and, if not, the nature of the information upon which the police acted; whether no regret was expressed for the inconvenience to which the tenants of the premises were subjected; and whether he will give instructions that raids of this description shall not be made unless upon information of a reliable character?

Mr. SHORTT

On the 29th May police officers visited premises in Norwood Road for the purpose of tracing the printer of certain leaflets which contravene the law. They satisfied themselves that the press used for the production of the "Norwood Pioneer" had not been improperly used. The information upon which the police acted was not anonymous and, though mistaken, was, apparently, given in good faith. I am sorry for the inconvenience caused to the tenants, but clearly the police must in such cases act if they have reasonable grounds for suspicion.