HC Deb 03 November 1932 vol 269 cc1954-5
17. Mr. STOURTON

asked 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. GILMOUR

The matter is under consideration, but I am not at present in a position to make any statement on the subject.

Mr. STOURTON

Can my right hon. Friend say when he will be able to make a statement?

Sir J. GILMOUR

No, Sir; I cannot give any definite date.

Mr. HANNON

Can 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. GILMOUR

That is exactly what I have said. This matter is under consideration, but I cannot make any statement until I have informed myself of all the facts.

Mr. LUNN

Is it not better that these people should demonstrate anywhere, rather than, possibly, doing something worse?