§ 93. Mr. BILLINGasked the Home Secretary whether he is prepared to employ the powers given him by the new Order in Council in connection with aliens addressing public meetings to insist that such aliens shall have on their person at the time of addressing any public meeting a Home Office permit so to do, and that the police shall have instructions to request, at their discretion, the production of such permit at any meeting at which, in their opinion, a revolutionary gospel is advocated?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe Order in Council does not require that any alien addressing a public meeting shall be in possession of a 1149 Home Office permit enabling him to do so. It empowers me by Order to prohibit an alien from addressing or taking part in meetings and from engaging in propaganda. I shall make Orders whenever the information in my possession shows it to be necessary, and the police will be given all necessary instructions as to the enforcement of any such Order.
§ Mr. BILLINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that by the time he gets that information the damage is done? Are we to understand that he has not authority to restrict aliens addressing meetings on revolutionary subjects or insisting on a permit being issued, but can only take action by Order in Council after the damage has been done?
§ Sir G. CAVEIt is usual to have information before the meeting is held, and we usually know something about the alien and can take action accordingly.