§ 17. Mr. STOURTONasked the Home Secretary if, because of the opportunities afforded for the creation of civil disturbance, as has been recently demonstrated, he contemplates taking restrictive measures to prevent similar concentrations of so-called hunger-marchers on London in future?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe matter is under consideration, but I am not at present in a position to make any statement on the subject.
§ Mr. STOURTONCan my right hon. Friend say when he will be able to make a statement?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir; I cannot give any definite date.
§ Mr. HANNONCan nothing be done by the Home Secretary to prohibit these demonstrations when they are organised with the object of breaking the laws of the country—when these demonstrations take place at Manchester, Birmingham, and other places, to put a stop to the thing at the beginning?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThat is exactly what I have said. This matter is under 1955 consideration, but I cannot make any statement until I have informed myself of all the facts.
§ Mr. LUNNIs it not better that these people should demonstrate anywhere, rather than, possibly, doing something worse?