§ MR. MONTAGU (Tower Hamlets, Whitechapel)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been called to the fact that a public meeting was held on Tower Hill, Whitechapel, on the 5th of February last; and, whether the Government recognize the right of the public to hold bonâ fide political meetings at that place?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)I am informed by the Chief Commissioner that such a meeting did take place, but it was conducted in an orderly manner, and there was no cause for the interference of the police. The Government are not aware that the public have any right to hold meetings anywhere in the public thoroughfares; but the practice of the police has been not to interfere unless they have good reasons to fear a breach of the peace, an obstruction of traffic, or danger to property or person.