HC Deb 17 May 1888 vol 326 cc524-5
MR. HENRY H. FOWLER (Wolverhampton, E.)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, What is the number of persons who have been imprisoned for violation of the provisions of the Torquay Improvement Act with respect to street processions?

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

Thirty-three persons have been committed to prison in default of sufficient distress and payment of the penalties imposed for offences under the 38th section of the Torquay Improvement Act.

MR. HENRY H. FOWLER

asked whether, having regard to the fact that 33 persons had been sent to prison for violation of a clause inserted in a Private Bill, against the views of the Government of the day, and without the knowledge of the House being called to it, he would introduce a Bill to repeal the clause?

MR. MATTHEWS

said, he was afraid he must take time to consider that matter.

MR. HENRY H. FOWLER

gave Notice that if the Home Secretary did not bring in such a Bill he (Mr. Henry H. Fowler), at the earliest opportunity after Whitsuntide would ask leave to bring in a Bill with that object.

MR. SCHWANN (Manchester, N.)

asked the Home Secretary, whether the Government would be prepared to bring in a short Bill to repeal the clause interpolated into the Torquay Harbour Act of last year, and so put an end to this question?

MR. WINTERBOTHAM (Gloucester Cirencester)

asked whether, in view of the pledge given to the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton to bring in a Bill to the effect stated, the Home Secretary had the power, and would use it, to represent to the Torquay magistrates, his intention to do so, and thus induce them to postpone any further action under the clause of the Torque Act?

MR. MATTHEWS

I have no intention of the kind stated by hon. Members opposite, nor could I properly interfere with any further action of the magistrates under the law they administer.

MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, whether he would consider the possibility of introducing into Provisional Order Bill now before the House, by which the Local Authorities of Torquay sought fresh powers, a clause repealing the clause of the existing Act dealing with street processions?

THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)

said, it was obvious he could come under no such obligation without full consideration and full notice of the desire of the House.

MR. CONYBEARE

gave Notice that he would move the rejection of the Provisional Order Bill.