§ Mr. SAKLATVALAasked the Secretary for Scotland the reason for the Greenock magistrates forbidding a street procession under the auspices of the Young Communist Pioneers, although permission has been granted to other organisations to demonstrate?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am informed that permission to hold a street procession was refused by the magistrates to the Young Communist Pioneers because they considered as a result of previous experience that it was not desirable in the public interest to grant such permission. The matter is one entirely in the discretion of the magistrates.
§ Mr. SAKLATVALAasked the Secretary for Scotland if he will cause inquiries to be made as to the method in which the police dispersed the procession of the Greenock Young Pioneers on 14th June, and as to the circumstances under which Messrs. Murphy and Springhall were arrested?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have received a report from the Chief Constable regarding the incidents referred to by the hon. Member. As legal proceedings are at present pending in connection with the arrests made on the 14th instant, I do not consider that I would be justified in making any statement on the matter.