§ 17. Sir WILLIAM WAYLANDasked the Home Secretary whether he will issue a circular to all chief constables recommending that police should not be employed in the collection of goods sold for tithe distraints unless a breach of the peace is threatened, and then only for the purpose of preventing such breaches?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe function of the police is limited to taking all possible steps to prevent disorder on these occasions, and if disorder occurs to taking proceedings against those who have been responsible for creating the disturbance. I have no reason to believe that the police exceed their proper functions and I do not think that a circular on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend is called for.
§ Sir W. WAYLANDHas not my right hon. Friend received complaints with regard to the conduct of the police at the recent distress sale for tithe in the Eastern counties, whereby the police prevented the owner of the property from taking photographs of the proceedings?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, I am not aware of any particular circumstances, but, if my hon. Friend will give me particulars of the circumstances, I will inquire into them.