§ 65 and 66. Lord ROBERT CECILasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether his attention has been called to certain serious assaults committed upon women at St. Neot's, Stafford, Tiverton, and Cirencester, during suffragist meetings in connection with the suffrage pilgrimage; whether any arrests have been made or prosecutions instituted by the Public Prosecutor; and whether the Government propose to take any steps to investigate these occurrences; and (2) whether he is aware that at St. Neot's, Stafford, Tiverton, and Cirencester, nonmilitant women suffragists were pelted and otherwise assaulted by roughs, who were endeavouring to break up peaceful meetings held during the recent suffrage pilgrimage; whether he is further aware that no arrests have been made in connection with these offences; and whether he will take steps to secure to all subjects of His Majesty the right of free speech?
§ Mr. McKENNAI received about a fortnight ago a deputation from representatives of the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies who organised and conducted the suffrage pilgrimage. They put before me with great moderation their complaint that at some of the places where they held meetings the police failed to give them adequate protection, with the result that their meetings were broken up. I explained to them that the County and Borough Police are not under my control—there was no complaint against the Metropolitan Police—but I undertook that, if they gave me a precise statement in writing of their specific complaints with regard to each place, I would communicate in the matter with the several police authorities. This document I have received this morning, and it appears to 2510 be a moderate and fair statement of the facts, though, of course, before pronouncing any opinion, I am bound to hear what the police authorities concerned have to say on their own behalf. The statement shows that in most places the police gave the pilgrims ample protection, and that in some other places they failed only because their numbers were insufficient. I shall at once communicate, as I promised to do, to the several police authorities, and I shall not leave any of them in doubt as to their duty to protect men or women who are holding peaceful meetings for a lawful purpose.
§ Mr. J. WARDWill the right hon. Gentleman make that request to the police authorities generally? After all, it is most essential that those who wish to advocate a cause peacefully should be protected.
§ Mr. McKENNAI think that is precisely the answer I have given.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEHas the right hon. Gentleman any power to enforce his wish on the provincial police?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir; bat I am happy to say that the provincial police attend to wise advice when it is given.