Lady Astor, American-born Conservative Member of Parliament, today told Emanuel Shinwell, Laborite, in the House of Commons, to go “back to Poland,” but unlike Richard T. Bower, who made a similar statement in 1938, did not receive a slap in the face in return.
The argument arose during a question on the appeal of two women from a conviction for looting for receiving coal valued at one shilling. Lady Astor complained that people who were being looted felt violently on the subject.
Shinwell asked:”Isn’t it a fact that Lady Astor and her family have constantly looted the public?” Lady Astor replied: “Nobody knows where your family comes from. Why don’t they send you back to Poland?”
The Speaker said Shinwell’s observation was most improper and requested him to withdrew it.
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