asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that Mr. Alexander Geddes, a prospective Parliamentary candidate for the burgh of Greenock, is hindered frequently by the police from holding ordinary political meetings in furtherance of his candidature in public places where rival candidates of other political parties, and various other speakers, have been freely holding their meetings; and whether this action has been taken on instructions from the Scottish Office?

I am informed that, with one exception, the Greenock burgh police have not found it necessary to interfere with meetings held by Mr. Geddes. The exception occurred on the 11th April when the police drew his attention to the provisions of a bylaw relating to harbour ground on which he was holding a meeting. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Lord Advocate if he is aware of the summons issued against Mr. Alexander Geddes, a prospective Parliamentary candidate for the burgh of Greenock, for causing obstruction arising out of an ordinary political meeting held at Port Glasgow; and if it is under his instruction that this summons has been issued?

The proceedings referred to by the hon. Member were taken in the Police Court, Port Glasgow, at the instance of the Burgh Prosecutor, who was not acting under instructions issued by me.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that this prosecution is not undertaken, and these summonses are not issued, through political feelings?

I have no reason to think that this was issued through any political feelings at all.