§ Sir Smedley Crookeasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the activities of the Peace Pledge Union in the city of Birmingham, who at recent public meetings have made statements which, unless curbed, may have repercussions on the workers engaged on war work and will increase the peril of men and women in the Fighting Forces; and whether he will take immediate steps to stop this propaganda which is detrimental to the war effort?
§ Mr. PeakeYes, Sir. I have obtained a report, but I do not accept the inference that unless action is taken to stop the activities of this pacifist body serious harm will result. It has been the wish of this House that there should be as little interference as possible with the free expression of views and that the rejection of pacifist propaganda should be left to the free play of public opinion. My present information is that the results achieved by this minority body are insignificant and it would be a mistake to exaggerate its importance by official interference. A careful watch, however, is being kept on its activities.