§ 59. Mr. BERNAYSasked the Home Secretary what steps he proposes to take 832 to prevent demonstrations outside prisons on the morning of an execution of the kind that have taken place in recent months?
§ Mr. LLOYDI share my hon. Friend's view that demonstrations of the kind that have recently taken p ace are deplorable, but the power to regulate public meetings is in effect limited to such steps as are necessary to preserve order and prevent obstruction, and it is therefore impracticable to prevent altogether the holding of such demonstrations.
§ Mr. BERNAYSIs my hon. Friend not of the opinion that these demonstrations would be avoided if the time and date of the executions were not announced beforehand outside the prison?
§ Mr. LLOYDNo, Sir, because it is necessary that the time and place of an execution should be communicated to a considerable number of persons, and it is our view that in those circumstances it would be impracticable to ensure secrecy.
§ Mr. JAGGERWould not the difficulty be got over by abolishing capital punishment?
§ Earl WINTERTONWhy has the person chiefly responsible for these demonstrations not been proceeded against by the London police for conduct likely to lead to a breach of the peace, as she has now at long last been proceeded against by the Manchester police?
§ Mr. MAXTONIf this woman feels strongly on this matter, is she not entitled to carry on an agitation just the same as any of the rest of us?
§ Mr. R. ACLANDCould not the same procedure be adopted as was adopted at the anti-Fascist meeting at Thurloe Square?