HC Deb 30 June 1909 vol 7 cc392-4
Mr. KEIR HARDIE

I wish to ask a question of which I have given private notice. May I ask the Home Secretary by whose orders certain members of the Women's Social and Political Union were prevented not only from entering St. Stephen's Hall last night, but the precincts of the House?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Gladstone)

I take entire responsibility for the action of the police outside the House in giving effect to the Sessional Order of the House of Commons. As regards the action inside the House, the case is different.

Mr. KEIRHARDIE

What were the circumstances under which these ladies, who were not creating a disturbance, were prevented from entering St. Stephen's Hall?

Mr. SPEAKER

Does the hon. Gentleman address his question to me?

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

I meant it for the Home Secretary, but I should be glad to know from you, Sir, whether it is in the power of the police to prevent, without your authority, anyone from entering the precincts of these buildings?

Mr. SPEAKER

I think the answer to that must depend upon the character of the person seeking admission. I must remind the hon. Member of what the Sessional Order is on this matter under which the police act. The Order of the House is:—

"Metropolitan Police. —Ordered, That the Commissioners of the Police of the Metropolis do take care that, during the Session of Parliament, the passages through the streets leading to this House be kept free and open, and that no obstruction be permitted to hinder the passage of Members to and from this House, and that no disorder be allowed in Westminster Hall, or in the passages leading to this House, during the Sitting of Parliament, and that there be no annoyance therein or thereabouts; and that the Serjeant-at-Arms attending this House do communicate this Order to the Commissioners aforesaid."

I may say, in answer to the Hon. Member, that this has been done, and that the police have to exercise their discretion as to the manner in which they carry out the Rule. The police acted yesterday under that Rule, and they did not permit the entrance of certain ladies who on a previous occasion had entered and created a disturbance.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

May I just say, Sir, that these ladies were escorted to the entrance of the House, and that there was no disturbance of any kind up to that point. They sought to be allowed to enter to interview a Member of the House, and the police had no knowledge of any intention, nor had the ladies ally intention, to commit any disturbance. Arising out of these circumstances, the question I want to ask is whether it is within the power of the police to prevent anyone whom they select from entering the precincts of this House?

Mr. SPEAKER

My answer to that is the same as I gave at first—that it must depend on the character and antecedents of the persons seeking admission. If on previous occasions they have come in and created disturbance, I think the police are perfectly justified in refusing them admission again. Prevention is better than cure.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Under the circumstances, I shall ask leave to move the adjournment of the House in order to call attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, the action of the members of the Metropolitan Police force in forcibly preventing seven ladies who, in an orderly manner, sought to interview a Member of Parliament, from entering St. Stephen's.

Mr. SPEAKER

I must take responsibility for what occurred. The police were acting under my authority, given under the direction of the House. If the hon. Member takes exception to that his proper course is to put down a Motion censuring me for the course I have taken. I do not think it would be fair to censure the police.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

I was under the impression that the Home Secretary was responsible for the action of the police, and it is against his Department the Motion is directed.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is mistaken there. I am responsible for the conduct of the police within the building. Outside the building the Home Secretary is responsible.