HC Deb 06 April 1876 vol 228 cc1327-8
MR. WHALLEY

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to Convents and other Institutions connected with the Church of Rome in this country, Whether he is prepared to exercise the powers or the influence of his Department for the protection of those who may desire to discuss such subjects in public meeting against organized interruption and outrage?

MR. ASSHETON CROSS

The hon. Member must be aware that I have no direct control over either the county or borough police, and I presume that the local authorities in each case will exercise such discretion as to the maintenance of order as they may think right. They will judge of the merits of each case as it may arise. I hope no breach of the peace will take place anywhere, and certainly that no Member of this House will encourage the holding of any meeting which will directly tend to a breach of the peace.

MR. WHALLEY

I beg to give Notice that I will move for a Return of Correspondence with the Home Office with respect to the public meetings held at Ipswich, Bury St. Edmund's, and Colchester during the Recess.