HC Deb 26 May 1936 vol 312 cc1859-60W
Mr. V. ADAMS

asked the Home Secretary whether he has had any reports from the police upon the Fascist meetings which are held on Sunday evenings at White Domes Road, Hampstead Heath; whether he is aware that on Sunday, 17th May, a speaker there referred to the Jews in language so obscene that the audience was roused to indignation; and whether he has any statement to make on the matter?

Sir J. SIMON

I have obtained reports from the Commissioner of Police who informs me that Fascist meetings are usually held on Sundays at this site. At these meetings considerable heckling and interruption take place and as a result of past experience of the attitude of Fascists and anti-Fascists towards each other, arrangements have been made for a senior police officer to be present. On the occasion in question one of the police officers present heard a very offensive remark used but at the moment his attention was divided between the speaker and the noisy crowd and he is not in a position to say on oath by whom the expression was used. I take the opportunity of stating that any person in the Metropolitan Police District who, in any thoroughfare or public place, uses abusive or insulting words with intent to provoke a breach of the peace or by which a breach of the peace may be occasioned is guilty of an offence and the police, who have a difficult task in this matter, do their utmost to enforce the law in this regard.