HC Deb 02 April 1936 vol 310 cc2107-8
22. Mr. RHYS DAVIES

asked the Home Secretary whether he will instruct the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolitan Area to adopt the use of loud-speakers to give due notice to those assembled at any meeting that the gathering has been forbidden and that at a given hour the meeting must disperse?

Mr. LLOYD

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that no difficulty is usually experienced in getting into touch with the chairman of a meeting, but the use of loud-speakers will be considered on any future occasion if the need can be foreseen.

Mr. COCKS

Is the hon. Gentleman getting any suggestions from Herr von Ribbentrop as to how public opinion should be suppressed in this country?

23. Mr. DENVILLE

asked the Home Secretary whether he will take steps to prevent the practice of painting notices of mass and other meetings with whitewash and other colouring matter on public and private property without permission from the owners?

Mr. LLOYD

The marking of buildings, walls, etc., abutting on public places without the consent of the owner or occupier is prohibited in the Metropolitan Police District by the Metropolitan Police Act, 1839. Elsewhere the practice can be prohibited by good rule by-laws made under Section 249 of the Local Government Act, 1933. The initiative as regards such by-laws rests with the borough or county council.

Mr. DENVILLE

Has the hon. Gentleman received a report from the police on the subject of walls being covered with whitewash?