§ 50. Mr. Gallacherasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that in certain parts of the country the police authorities are unaware that no ban has been placed on outdoor public meetings held during daylight in an orderly manner, and that such meetings have been banned at Southampton, Letch-worth, Bedford, Colchester, Cambridge, Manchester, and other places; and will he inform the police authorities throughout the country that full freedom of expression, within the law, should be allowed?
§ Sir J. AndersonI have made inquiry about each of the places mentioned in the question. As regards Bedford and Letch worth, I have been unable to discover any incident which could be cited in support of the hon. Member's suggestion. At Southampton, I am told that a common on which open-air meetings were frequently held has been taken over for use by the Military. At Colchester objection was taken by the police to a proposed street meeting on 17th September, on the ground that it would cause obstruction. At Manchester I am informed that the police took objection in special circumstances to certain meetings on 17 th September but that other meetings have been held since that date. The police are well aware that there is no general prohibition on outdoor meetings, and I see no occasion to send any further communication to them on this subject.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the Minister not aware that on several occasions in these places the police have tried their hand, and have succeeded, in getting the meetings stopped, and will he see that no encouragement is given to action of this kind?
§ Sir J. AndersonI should have thought that my very full answer would have made the position perfectly clear.
Mr. FleminģIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Manchester the Chief Constable is doing his best to stop defeatist meetings?