§ 42. Mr. Watkinsasked the Home Secretary whether he will extend the area in which political processions in the East End of London are prohibited, in order to include the Sandringham Road, Hackney, district?
§ Sir S. HoareThe intention of Parliament as expressed in Section 3 of the Public Order Act is that processions should be allowed as far as practicable and should only be subject to prohibition if in some area there are "particular circumstances" rendering this step necessary for the prevention of serious public disorder. The question of the area in which such prohibition must be regarded as necessary was very carefully considered before the present Order was made: and after consultation with the Commissioner of Police I regret that I do not feel justified in agreeing with the hon. Member's suggestion that there are sufficient grounds for an extension of that area.
§ Mr. WatkinsWill the right hon. Gentleman reconsider that decision, in view of the fact that this road is exclusively, or almost exclusively, filled with Jewish residents and that the passage of processions of an extremely provocative character is constantly occurring in it? Is he aware that I have received a request signed by practically every resident in the road asking that such processions shall be prohibited, and may I appeal to the right hon. Gentleman to look into the matter again?
§ Sir S. HoareI am afraid that, wherever the boundary is made in an Order of this kind, there will be difficulties, but if the 1506 hon. Member has any further information which he can send to me, certainly I will look into it.