HC Deb 16 September 1887 vol 321 cc561-2
MR. J. ROWLANDS(for Mr. PICKERSGILL) (Bethnal Green, S.W.)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, By whose direction and with what object the police, on Sunday last, visited the premises at Bow of Mr. James Branch, and made inquiries for him, and also for the names of those who took part in a meeting over which he presided, held on the previous evening at Hackney Wick to protest against the action of the Government in Ireland; and, whether now instructions have recently been issued to the Metropolitan Police with regard to their attitude towards public meetings; and, if so, what are those in structions?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that, in accordance with the usual practice, a sergeant of police, in order to supplement his official Report, called on two gentlemen who were present at the meeting and asked who the speakers were. It is usual to ask for such information, and it is readily given. There was no ulterior motive whatever in the call made on those gentlemen. No new instructions have been issued to the police with regard to their duties at public meetings.

MR. J. ROWLANDS

Do I understand that it has always been the custom with the police in the Metropolis to ask for the names of speakers at public meetings?

MR. MATTHEWS

It would be the duty of the police to report what happens at a meeting; and if an Inspector or a Superintendent did not know the exact names it is usual to inquire of those who do know.

MR. CREMER (Shoreditch, Haggerston)

May I ask how long that practice has been in force, and when the order was issued?

MR. MATTHEWS

I cannot give the hon. Gentleman any precise date. So far as I know, it has been a continuous practice. Certainly I found it in existence, and I have made no alteration.

MR. J. ROWLANDS

I wish the right hon. Gentleman could give the information asked. I have been connected with many open-air meetings in the Metropolis—[" Order, order!"]—and have been responsible for many—["Order, order !"]—and I have never yet been asked—["Order, order !"]—I have never yet been asked—I repeat I have never yet boon asked by the police to give any such information.

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! If the hon. Gentleman wishes to ask a Question arising out of the Answer of the Secretary of State it is competent fur him to do so.

MR. WOOTTON ISAACSON (Tower Hamlets, Stepney)

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly tell the House whether he will bring in a Bill, or exercise some authority, to prevent the making of the Sabbath hideous in the East End of London through these open air meetings?