16. Mr. VYVYAN ADAMSasked the Home Secretary what has been the nature of the response elicited by the invitation to leaders of all parties to consult as to the best method of guaranteeing order in public meetings; and whether any legislation is in contemplation before the Recess?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI would refer my hon. Friend to the statements made on behalf of the political parties during the course of the Debate on the Home Office Vote on the 14th June. I am at present engaged in reviewing the whole problem, and when my proposals have been formulated I should be glad to have an opportunity of discussing them with the leaders of the Opposition. As at present advised, I do not contemplate introducing legislation before the Summer Recess.
§ Mr. MAXTONWas not the nature of the Home Secretary's undertaking on the day of the Debate—I am speaking now subject to correction—that he would consult the parties before formulating his proposals, rather than afterwards, as he suggests now?
§ Sir J. GILMOURCertainly, before formulating them to this House, but I must have a clear view of what I would propose in order that I may discuss it with the Leader of the Opposition and see how far we can come to agreement.
Viscountess ASTORSeeing that the Opposition have more difficulty with their extremists than other parties, does the Home Secretary not think that he ought to consult them as to what he will do to guarantee free speech for than?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI propose to consult them.
§ Sir HERBERT SAMUELWould it not have been more correct for the Home Secretary to have said, "Leaders of the Oppositions" in the plural?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have said that I am going to consult all parties.