§ 38. Mr. Holdsworthasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that in the by-election in the Tonbridge Division of Kent the Chief Constable of Tunbridge Wells has prohibited any open-air meetings being held in the streets of the borough; and whether he will take any action to ensure that the traditional rights of assembly are not unreasonably interfered with?
§ Sir J. SimonNo, Sir; I am not aware of this. I am informed by the Chief Constable of Tunbridge Wells that street meetings in connection with the by-election have not been banned, and that the same facilities will be given as in previous elections. The Chief Constable states that he has seen the three election agents and made arrangements with them for meetings to be held in streets or on the Common where no obstruction or danger is likely to be caused; main streets where traffic is heavy, and congested areas being avoided.
§ Mr. HoldsworthIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I could furnish him with a letter from the Chief Constable forbidding open-air meetings and that the Chief Constable has changed his mind since that time, aid could the right hon. Gentleman tell me whether the Chief Constable is entitled to prejudge the question of obstruction; futher, whether he will send this officer a copy of the law explaining what it really is?
§ Sir J. SimonThe hon. Gentleman must know that I cannot answer the first part of his supplementary question, because he has never done me the favour of showing me the document to which he refers. If he will show it to me, I shall be very glad to consider the rest of his supplementary question.
§ Mr. HoldsworthWould the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of the supplementary question—whether he will call the attention of the Chief Constable to his duty, and say whether the matter is one for him to judge?