Blow Struck in Commons

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 81, 6 April 1938, Page 5

Blow Struck in Commons

NAVAL BOXING CHAMPION HAS HIS FACE SLAPPED

United Press Association—Electrlo Telexra p a. —Copyrlg h t.

LONDON, April 4.

The House of Commons was thrown into a state of turmoil at question-time when Commander Bower, British naval officer and boxing champion, had his face slapped by Mr E. Shinwell (Opposition, Labour) following Commander Bower’s retort to a foreign affairs question.

The Speaker had to intervene to prevent Mr Shinwell from asking a supplementary question. Mr Shinwell’s persistence caused Government supporters to protest. Commander Bower’s remark, “Go back to Poland!”, addressed to Mr Shinwell, resulted in Mr Shinwell crossing the chamber and giving Commander Bower, who is one of the biggest men in the House, a resounding slap on the face. Mr Shinwell returned to his seat. He said: “I was bom in England, and I am a British subject. The honourable gentleman had no right to make such a reference. My method was the only protection open to me.’* The Speaker said that he would ignore the incident if each apologised.

Mr Shinwell, attributing his action to heat and temper, apologised to the House and left the chamber, after which Commander Bower admitted the provocativeness of his remark. He said he would have apologised if Mr Shinwell had remained. The incident was closed.