HC Deb 03 May 1867 vol 186 cc2024-6
MR. WALPOLE

moved for leave to bring in a Bill for the more effectually and better securing the use of certain Royal Parks and Gardens for the recreation and enjoyment of Her Majesty's subjects. He said, that the object of the measure was to enable the law to be better enforced, not to alter it excepting as to the remedy. The Bill provided that no meeting of public character should take place or be held without the permission of Her Majesty in any of the Royal Parks within the metropolis; and that any person convening or assisting in convening, any public meeting in contravention of that Act, or an person joining or taking part in such meeting, should be liable to be arrested and summarily convicted on application before one of the police magistrates, and on his conviction should be liable either to penalty not exceeding £10, or to be imprisoned for a term not exceeding two months.

MR. WHALLEY

said, he wished to ask, whether there was any difference in the right hon. Gentleman's view between the meeting to be held in the Park on Monday and the meeting held there in July last? If there were any such difference, what was it? He was not speaking in the interests of the Reform League, for if he had any voice with that body, he would try and put an end to the meeting. He was anxious to see the rather unsatisfactory conclusion of the previous discussion which had taken place that evening cleared up.

MR. WALPOLE

said, he had only to repeat that it would be the object of the Government to do nothing whatever which might tend to provoke a breach of the peace. At the same time, seeing what the law was and what the rights of the Crown were, they must take the necessary measures of precaution, so as to guard against any breach of the peace or any damage to life or property. With that object a sufficient force would be prepared and ready. He hoped, however, that seeing the conciliatory spirit in which the Government had acted, other parties would take such a course that there would be no probability of danger or of disturbance.

Motion agreed to.

Bill for the better and more effectually securing the use of certain Royal Parks and Gardens for the enjoyment and recreation of Her Majesty's Subjects, ordered to be brought in by Mr. Secretary WALPOLE, Lord JOHN MANNERS, and Mr. ATTORNEY GENERAL.

Bill presented, and read the first time. [Bill 134.]

House adjourned at One o'clock, till Monday next.