HC Deb 02 June 1913 vol 53 cc570-1
32. Mr. WILLIAM THORNE

asked the Secretary of State whether his attention has been drawn to the violence that took place in Victoria Park on the 25th ultimo in connection with a suffrage demonstration; whether he is aware that the police officers who attended the procession left the park and the meeting, with the result that the organisers of the meeting were practically unprotected; and whether he will give instructions for any such meeting in the future to be adequately protected?

Mr. McKENNA

Victoria Park is under the control of the London County Council, by which it is policed. Ample arrangements were made by the Metropolitan Police, who were held in readiness at the park gates, to intervene if their assistance were required.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is it not a fact that on this occasion one of the vans used as a platform was wheeled right out of the park into the road, and will the right hon. Gentleman see that in the future proper protection is given to peaceful citizens the same as the right hon. Gentleman himself expects when addressing a meeting in Newport?

Mr. McKENNA

The policing of the park is a matter for the London County Council, and not the Home Office.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is it not a fact that the London County Council have no control of the police at all?

Mr. McKENNA

The London County Council are responsible for the policing of the park; the Metropolitan Police are responsible outside the park, and they were in readiness.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the only power the London County Council have is to engage the park keepers?

Mr. McKENNA

I cannot agree with my hon. Friend.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

When you call another question Mr. Speaker, is it in order for an hon. Member to continue asking supplementary questions in relation to the former question?

Mr. SPEAKER

I have known irregularities to occur.