HC Deb 12 February 1948 vol 447 cc545-6
8. Mr. Bramall

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he proposes to take any action to limit the use of loudspeakers for political propaganda.

Mr. Ede

Legislation would be required for this purpose: the question is at present engaging my attention.

Mr. Keeling

Is the Home Secretary not aware that, in some enlightened constituencies, including my own, in which the hon. Member lives, there are already bylaws prohibiting the use of loudspeakers out-of-doors?

Mr. Ede

Yes, Sir; but the model form of by-law requires that three persons should make complaints about the use of the loudspeaker. It is not so easy, in certain circumstances, where it might be feared that the persons complaining might be the subject of reprisals by the people against whom the complaints were made.

Sir W. Smithers

If three people should complain about the loudspeakers of the B.B.C., can the same action be taken then?

Mr. Ede

It all depends on the local by-laws.

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