§ 35. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Home Secretary whether there are certain by- 498 laws in force in Hyde Park and other Royal parks for the regulation of the conduct of persons using the same which are different from the requirements of the ordinary law and are largely unknown to the public; and whether steps will be taken to revise the said by-laws, so that they may be brought into consonance with the ordinary law with which the public are familiar?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe Regulations under the Parks Regulation Act, 1872, in so far as they deal with matters of importance relating to the behaviour of users of the parks, differ but little in effect from the provisions of the ordinary law. The Regulations are prominently displayed at every entrance to the parks, and I have no reason to think that the requirements they impose are less well known to the public than are the similar requirements of the ordinary law.
§ Sir W. DAVISONDoes the right hon. Gentleman suggest to the House that there is any provision in the ordinary law of the land that a person is forbidden to speak to another person in a public place without a formal introduction?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI do not suggest to the House anything more than is contained in my answer.
§ Sir W. DAVISONHas the right hon. Gentleman studied recent decisions and the opinion of the Chairman of Quarter Sessions on a recent ease, and does he not think it desirable that the by-laws should be revised and the police receive fresh instructions?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThat is the question on the Paper.
§ Mr. LANSBURYIn considering this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman consider making the law equal as between menand women?
Viscountess ASTORDoes the Home Secretary realise that thousands of women are arrested on the evidence of the police without a word being said, but that when one man is arrested the whole nation is roused?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am quite aware that a great many difficulties beset this question, and I do not think that this is a very convenient time to debate it. I am considering the matter.