HC Deb 23 November 1943 vol 393 cc1464-5W
Dr. Morgan

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the anti-Semitic propaganda carried on by the Medical Policy Association, London; and whether, in view of their effect on the war effort of this country, he has considered the desirability of a prosecution?

Mr. H. Morrison

I have seen the first bulletin issued by this association which I assume my hon. Friend has in mind. This document appears to introduce, quite gratuitously, certain arguments which may be regarded as having an anti-Semitic bias, but it affords no ground for prosecution or for any other action on my part.

Dr. Morgan

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that Dr. Basil Steele, of Regents Park, employed by the Post Office on medical duties, is the secretary of an anti-Semitic organisation known as the Medical Policy Association; that his father, Dr. Russell V. Steele, practising at the same address, is a local Post Office medical officer, whose duties involve attendance on a capitation agreement to postal employees in his district; and whether, in view of the anti-Semitic views of these two doctors, he will consider allowing Jewish Post Office employees to make alternative medical arrangements?

Captain Crookshank

Dr. Basil Steele is not employed by the Post Office, but assists his brother, Dr. Russell V. Steele, a general practitioner who has been a local Post Office medical officer for nearly 20 years. I have no reason to think that Dr. Russell V. Steele allows whatever political views he may hold to interfere with the proper discharge of his professional duties, and I am not prepared to limit his Post Office duties in the manner suggested by the hon. Member. As regards my hon. Friend's description of the Medical Policy Association, of which Dr. Basil Steele is stated to be the Secretary, I would refer him to the reply given today by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department.