HC Deb 14 March 1938 vol 333 cc26-7
56. Mr. Watkins

asked the Home Secretary whether it is proposed to make any further order under Section 3 (3) of the Public Order Act, 1936, prohibiting the holding of political processions in the East End of London?

Sir S. Hoare

The previous order prohibiting the holding of political processions in certain areas in East London expired at midnight last night. I should have been glad if I could have reached the conclusion that the time had now come when this restriction might be removed; but after reviewing the situation very carefully, in consultation with the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, I was satisfied that it was necessary for the preservation of public order to renew for a further period the prohibition of political processions in these areas. I, therefore, gave my consent to a fresh order under Section 3 (3) of the Public Order Act, 1936, renewing this prohibition for a further period of three months from to-day.

Mr. Wise

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether he will not consider sparing the eyes and ears of the West End the deplorable processions such as the one we saw yesterday?

Mr. G. Strauss

Will not the traditional May Day demonstrations be able to take place?

Sir S. Hoare

It will not be possible to have processions of a political character in these districts.