§ 88. Mr. KINGasked the Home Secretary whether there is diversity in the way 714 in which Defence of the Realm Regulations are used in various localities; whether he has any power to ensure uniform and reasonable action by the various police authorities; whether a conference to advocate peace, convened by the Free Churches at Tumble, Carmarthenshire, has been prohibited, though exactly simlar conferences under the same auspices have been held recently, without any disturbance or offence, in places not far distant; and whether he will issue a circular to police authorities with a view to secure equality of treatment?
§ Sir G. CAVEI have made inquiry regarding the alleged prohibition of a meeting at Tumble, and find that the hon. Member has been misinformed. No meeting there has been prohibited by the police. Under Regulation 9 A a chief officer of police can only prohibit a meeting if authorised for the purpose by the Home Secretary. There is no need to issue any circular upon the subject.