HC Deb 28 March 1935 vol 299 cc2067-8
19. Mr. DINGLE FOOT

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that on Sunday, 24th March, at about 7.30 p.m., an anti-Fascist procession walking from Hyde Park Corner in the direction of the Albert Hall was stopped by the police; whether he can say what orders were given to the police and what were the reasons therefor; and if he will state what duty the police were performing in stopping the said procession?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Previous experience has shown that disorder is likely to arise if rival factions are allowed to demonstrate and counter-demonstrate in close proximity to each other. The Commissioner of Police accordingly issued instructions, with my approval, that no anti-Facist procession or demonstration was to be allowed within half a mile of the Albert Hall during the time when a meeting of the British Union of Fascists was in progress in that building. The police were acting in performance of their primary duty to preserve order and to prevent breaches of the peace.

Mr. FOOT

Can the right hon. Gentleman say under what Statute, if any, those orders were given?

Sir J. GILMOUR

No, I think it is a matter of judgment and common sense.

Mr. MAXTON

May I ask whether this is to constitute a suggestion to the police that if any political meeting is being held in the Albert Hall no other political gathering may be held within half a mile of it?

Forward to