HC Deb 15 May 1907 vol 174 cc958-9
SIR HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many inspectors, sergeants, and constables of the Metropolitan police, and how many horses, were deprived of their Sunday rest on 12th May by the demonstration in Hyde Park; what was the cost to the ratepayers in travelling and allowances for such police; and, having in view the constant recurrence of such employment on the Sabbath, will he consider the propriety of requiring the promoters of such Sunday gatherings being called upon to indemnify the public for such expenses, in like manner as the organisers of any other form of public entertainment or recreation.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. GLADSTONE,) Leeds, W.

Twenty-two Inspectors, thirty-six sergeants and 151 constables who would otherwise have been enjoying their fortnightly leave day were necessarily employed on Sunday the 12th instant. Each will receive a day's leave in exchange for the one thus lost. Fifty-five horses were also employed. They were drawn as far as possible from neighbouring divisions and the cost therefore is estimated not to exceed £15 for travelling, etc. I am afraid I cannot take any steps in the direction indicated in the last part of the hon. and gallant Member's Question.

SIR HOWARD VINCENT

Can the right hon. Gentleman do nothing to limit the number of these extraordinary demonstrations which occupy the streets, employ a large number of police, and cause great inconvenience to the public?

MR. J. WARD

asked if his right hon. friend would also take into consideration the extraordinary expense and inconvenience caused to the police in regulating tariff reform meetings on Sunday afternoons?

SIR HOWARD VINCENT

Are there any tariff reform meetings on Sunday afternoons?

MR. CROOKS (Woolwich)

And has he any information as to the cost of the police at the Moderate meeting in Trafalgar Square, where they paid 4s. per. head?

MR. J. WARD

Where they did not pay 4s. a head.

MR. GLADSTONE

As far as my knowledge goes, on the whole, these assemblies take place with extremely small inconvenience to the public.