HC Deb 02 December 1926 vol 200 cc1375-6
48. Commander FANSHAWE (for Captain P. MACDONALD)

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the practice of interrupting political meetings by organised groups of persons, with the result of preventing free speech: and whether he will consider the introduction of legislation to secure for the people this right?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I have been asked to reply. My attention has been called to the matter, but I am not yet in a position to say whether it will be advisable to propose legislation, or, indeed, whether that is the best remedy.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Is it not the fact that 90 per cent. of these interruptions come from the supporters of one political party?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

As far as there are interruptions at my meetings, it certainly is the case.

Commander OLIVER LOCKERLAMPSON

Was not the by-election in Hull a scandal in this very particular?

Mr. THURTLE

In view of the suggestion that most of these interruptions come from one party—and we on this side know, of course, which party it is —[Laughter]—will the Home Secretary in future request his supporters to restrain their efforts in this respect?

Mr. MACLEAN

Arising out of the original reply of the right hon. Gentleman, that he was considering introducing legislation to stop what is suggested in this question, is he not aware that legislation already exists which gives these powers; and does not the fact that they are not put into operation show that any disturbance that may arise is not sufficiently grave in character to warrant this being done?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I did not say I was considering the introduction of legislation. I concluded by saying that I was not sure whether legislation was, indeed, the best remedy. There may be another remedy.

Sir HERBERT NIELD

Will my right hon. Friend take advice as to whether the conditions during the recent election do not cause it to be void under the existing legislation?

Mr. MACLEAN

Why cannot the Tories take their beating like men?

Mr. CECIL WILSON

Is it not the fact that the other two parties, in years gone by, vied with each other in this sort of thing?

Mr. SPEAKER

We cannot discuss that at Question Time.