§ MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether, if a bonâ fide political meeting be called by responsible persons to discuss the Local Government Bill in its bearing upon the Metropolis, in Trafalgar Square, the police will be directed or authorized in any way to interfere with the same?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)The Regulation of the Chief Commissioner of Police of November 18, 1887, is still in force. It has been very useful in preserving the peace and good order of the Metropolis, and in protecting the trade 323 and quiet of the neighbourhood. Until it is countermanded the duty of the police will be to prevent any public meeting being held in the Square, or in the adjacent thoroughfares.
§ MR. CONYBEAREWhen will the Home Secretary direct his subordinate, the Chief Commissioner of Police, to countermand the Order respecting Trafalgar Square?
§ MR. MATTHEWSThat is a question for future consideration.
§ MR. CONYBEAREWill that future consideration depend upon the conduct of the people, and the peaceable and orderly character of London, or is coercion in London to be permanent, as in Ireland?
§ [No reply.]