27. Colonel BURNasked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the speeches detrimental to this country made in Hyde Park and other places in London by foreigners and others; has he received any report of these speeches from the police; and what action does he intend taking to put an end to the propagation of these revolutionary principles?
§ Sir W. DAVISONWhen answering this question will the right hon. Gentleman state whether his attention has been drawn to the outrageous revolutionary speech made by a Member of this House in the Albert Hall?
§ Mr. W. THORNERubbish!
§ Mr. SHORTTRevolutionary speeches have been made in Hyde Park and other places for years. Many of these speeches are reported by the police, but provided that no breach of the peace is occasioned and the speeches do not advocate direct violence, there is no legal provision for dealing with them short of prosecution for sedition. It has been the practice to regard Hyde Park to some extent as a safety valve for discontented people; and I doubt if the point has yet been reached where interference is necessary or advisable.
§ Major O'NEILLOn a point of Order. I would like to know, Mr. Speaker, whether you possess any power to deal adequately with any Member of this House who advocates red revolution and assassination?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIf he does so inside this House, certainly.
Colonel BURNDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that some of these speeches incite to absolute revolution, and would these people be allowed to make such speeches in any other country in the world?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Gentleman has already had his answer, and he is only repeating the same question.
§ Mr. W. THORNEGive him rope!
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a revolutionary speech on Sunday evening urged the public to hang the Minister—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member should give notice of that question.