§ MR. BURNIE (Swansea, Town)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with respect to the arrest of three men (William Howell, William Bird, and Robert Burns) in Albemarle Street on Friday, 17th March, their being marched through the streets to Vine Street Police Station by three policemen and there charged with obstructing the footpath, then marched to Marlborough Street Police Court, where the magistrate dismissed them without any fine, was it legal to so arrest the men; is he aware that one of them (at least) was in the road when arrested; had the fact that they were carrying boards headed "Tailors' Strike" anything to do with the arrest; was there any ground for the statement made by one of the men before the magistrate that the arrest was prompted by some tailoring establishment in the locality; and can he state how long since were any sandwich-board men previously so arrested in that locality for obstructing the footpath, and what boards were they carrying?
§ MR. ASQUITHThe men were legally arrested (5 & 6 Will. IV., c. 50, s. 79) for wilfully obstructing the footway after being twice cautioned by the police. They were taken on foot in the usual way to be charged at Vine Street, and the police van having left earlier in the day they were then taken on foot to Marlborough Street Police Court, the rule being that when the police courts are open charges received during the day are to be at once referred to the police court of the district. Advertising boards are not allowed to be carried on the footway at all. After being arrested one of the men stepped on to the roadway. The arrest would, however, have been perfectly legal under the Act if made in the roadway. I have satisfied myself that there is no foundation for the suggestions contained in the third and fourth paragraphs. During the last four years 56 persons have been arrested under the Act in that locality (which includes the whole of the C Division). There were 44 convictions, the latest being in May, 1892.
§ MR. BURNIEMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has had any conference with the men themselves?
§ MR. ASQUITHI had no conference with the men themselves, but most careful inquiries have been made on the part of the police, and the statements may be absolutely relied on.
§ MR. BURNIEThen I respectfully ask the Home Secretary whether he will be willing to have a conference with the men, and whether he will allow the hon. Member for Durham and myself, who witnessed what took place, to be present at that conference?
§ MR. ASQUITHIt would not be a good precedent to have a conference with the men themselves, but I shall be glad to see the hon. Members and hear what facts they have to state on the subject.
§ MR. STOREY (Sunderland)I beg to ask whether, inasmuch as the decision of the magistrates was against the police, it was desirable that the inquiry should be made by them?
§ MR. ASQUITHThe question put to me was by what authority the police arrested these men, and for what offence. They are questions that must be within the knowledge of the police. It is obvious that the police must know whether the arrests were prompted or suggested. However, if any further fact can be urged, I shall be glad to have it communicated to me.