§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that open sedition is being advocated by Communist speakers in the industrial areas; that a Communist speaker at a large open-air demonstration in Newcastle, which was attended by soldiers in khaki recently, addressing the soldiers, directly exhorted them, if they were sent to China, not to use their rifles against the Chinese, but to join the strikers against the cut-throat capitalists; what instructions are issued from the Home Office in regard to such speeches; and what number of prosecutions in such cases have taken place during the last three months?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSAs a part of their ordinary duty the police keep careful observation with a view to action being taken in regard to any such speeches. As regards the meeting at Newcastle-on-Tyne, I have made inquiry and find that neither of the constables present heard the alleged incitements or saw any soldiers present in the audience. If evidence of that kind is available the local police authorities should be placed in possession of it. I am not aware of any case during the past three months in which proceedings for incitement to mutiny have been practicable.