HC Deb 20 June 1890 vol 345 cc1476-7
MR. CUNINGHAME GRAHAM (Lanark, N. W.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the proclamation of the last Chief Commissioner of Police but one (Sir Charles Warren), relative to meetings in Trafalgar Square, still holds good after two years; if the police will receive orders to interfere with a meeting called in Trafalgar Square of Temperance Reformers, to discuss the Compensation Clauses; and if the Home Office will confer with the London County Council on this matter?

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

The Regulation issued by Sir C. Warren on the 18th of November, 1887, as to meetings in Trafalgar Square, still holds good, and I am advised that no re-issue is necessary. I have no information as to any intended meeting in the Square; but I must repeat what I stated in this House on the 15th of May, 1888, that until this Regulation is countermanded the duty of the police will be to prevent any public meeting being held in the Square, or in the adjacent thoroughfare.

MR. CAVENDISH BENTINCK (Whitehaven)

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the inhabitants of London are entirely opposed to the holding of meetings in Trafalgar Square?

MR. MATTHEWS

Yes; I believe that is so.