§ 69. Mr. LANSBURYasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to certain attempts made by the London police to render the distribution of political leaflets in the streets illegal; and whether these proceedings have received his sanction?
§ 71. Mr. WEDGWOODasked the Home Secretary whether any instructions have 525 been issued to the London police to arrest persons who distribute leaflets in the streets; and, if so, whether he was consulted on and assented to this new departure?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe distribution of leaflets by way of advertisement in the streets of London, except in a manner approved by the Commissioner of Police, has been illegal ever since Section 9 of the Metropolitan Streets Act, 1867, was passed. Except within the City of London, this prohibition has not hitherto been actively enforced. Owing to the nuisance and litter caused by leaflets being thrust into the hands of passengers in the streets and then thrown away, and in view of representations made to him, the Commissioner of Police has decided to take steps to make the prohibition effective in future. This proposal has my full concurrence. The law applies to all leaflets distributed by way of advertisement, irrespective of their subject matter, and there is no question of arrest. Offenders will be warned, and, if they persist in disobeying the law, the procedure will be by summons.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODWill it now be illegal to distribute political leaflets at the entrance to a meeting? Further, is this power exercised by the police in any other town in Great Britain or Ireland?
§ Mr. McKENNAIf my hon. Friend considers the answer I have given he will see that there has been no change in the law. The law as applicable to London is governed by Statute and applies to London only.
§ Mr. LANSBURYWill the right hon. Gentleman give the House information as to who are the parties to the complaint, and from what districts complaints have come as to the suggested nuisance of the distribution of handbills in this fashion?
§ Mr. McKENNAI must have notice of that question, as I should have to consult the Commissioner of Police.
§ Mr. LANSBURYWhy is it that these regulations which have been in abeyance all these years are now suddenly put into operation?
§ Mr. McKENNAThey have not been in abeyance. If my hon. Friend will read the answer I have given he will see that they have been in existence in the City of London for many years. The nuisance in outer London has increased.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODWhy is it necessary now to interfere with the ordinary rights of British citizens?