§ COLONEL HUGHES-HALLETTasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether the Chief Commissioner of Police has absolute power to act on his own responsibility, and take what measures he deems necessary, should the occasion require it, to prevent the recurrence of such riots as disgraced the Metropolis on Monday 8th February, or whether he is bound to seek for instructions first from the Home Office?
THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. CHILDERS)On Thursday last I explained the relations between the Home Office and the Commissioner of Police with respect to this matter. I gave not merely the dry law, but also the facts. The hon. and gallant Member asks me a Question which is really one of law. On the former occasion I stated that the Chief Commissioner was free to make what arrangements might be considered necessary with respect to any meetings to preserve the peace. I also explained that the Police Orders, after being issued, are forwarded to the Home Office; but the Commissioner does not, of necessity, consult the Home Office previous to giving them.