§ 19. Mr. Derek Walker-Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why instructions have been issued to the Metropolitan Police to forbid and prevent, under Section 35 (14) of the Metropolitan Police Act, the announcing of meetings by loud speaker.
§ Mr. EdeNo such instructions have been issued recently to the police. The use of noisy instruments for calling meetings is prohibited by Section 54 (14) of the Metropolitan Police Act, 1839, but the police do not normally take action unless annoyance is caused.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithMay I take it that in that case the Barnet police authorities were acting in excessive zeal in prohibiting the advertising of a perfectly proper and democratic meeting to discuss the bread situation? Will the Home Secretary further say that this ancient Act will not be used to ban the use of loud speaker advertising that clearly was not in contemplation when Parliament passed the Act?
§ Mr. EdeI think that some excess of zeal was shown by the constable in question, because he did not wait to ascertain whether anybody was annoyed by the sounds that were to be emitted. I think that on the whole it is desirable that this power should be retained, because undoubtedly on occasions loud speaker announcements and similar things do cause considerable annoyance and should be under reasonable control.
§ Dr. Stephen TaylorIs my right hon. Friend aware that, nevertheless, loud speaker announcements in Barnet do cause some annoyance?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithIs it not a fact that what this House is interested in is that the annoyance should be proved to be caused to the inhabitants of Barnet and not to those representing the views of the present Government?
§ Mr. EdeAmongst the inhabitants of Barnet there is a considerable number of people who share the views of this Government.