The following question stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Lieut. -Colonel Sir GODFREY DALRYMPLE-WHITE:105. To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been drawn to the increasing denial of the right of free speech at election meetings in many areas, and notably at the present bye-election at Preston; whether he will consider if the existing law is inadequate to prevent such disturbances; and, if not, whether he will consider the introduction of further legislation to secure a fair hearing at such meetings?
§ Sir G. DALRYMPLE-WHITEOn a point of Order, may I draw your attention to the fact that I put down a question to the Prime Minister about disturbances of public meetings, and that it duly appeared addressed to the Prime Minister on the Blue Paper yesterday, but that it has since been transferred without notice to myself to the Home Secretary, and is at the bottom of the Paper. In view of the importance of the question, may I ask it to-day? If not, I should like to postpone it until tomorrow.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI should like to see the question first.
§ Sir G. DALRYMPLE-WHITEIt is on the Paper, No. 105.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThen the answer will be published in the OFFICIAL REPORT in the usual way, unless the hon. and gallant Gentleman gives notice that he wishes to postpone it.
§ Sir G. DALRYMPLE-WHITEYes, but I wish to postpone it.
§ Major Sir ARCHIBALD SINCLAIRIt is a case of a question having been altered. There have been several cases recently.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThese questions are transferred from the Minister to whom they are addressed at the request of the Department, so that they can be answered by the Minister who is really responsible and who will give the reply.
§ Mr. HARRISIs it not a general custom for the Member concerned to be advised of the proposed action and his permission asked?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIf notice is received from the Department in time, the Member will be advised that the question has been transferred.