HC Deb 04 May 1950 vol 474 cc1873-4
6. Mr. Charles Ian Orr-Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police it is proposed to divert from normal duties to protect the march of the London Union Movement through East London on Sunday, 7th May, 1950.

8. Mr. Eric Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that Sir Oswald Mosley has announced his intention of marching through the East End of London on Sunday, 7th May, to address a meeting at Ridley Road, Dalston; and what steps will be taken to prevent a breach of the peace arising.

Mr. Ede

Appropriate police measures will be taken to deal with any contravention of the Commissioner's Order prohibiting political processions. It would not be in the public interest to give details of any such measures in advance.

Mr. Fletcher

Will my right hon. Friend consider whether, without condemning freedom of speech, he has not powers under the existing law to prevent these appeals to racial hatred being made in districts where they are calculated to cause the greatest provocation?

Mr. Ede

The procession which was the basis of this arrangement has been prohibited, and I am quite certain that I have no further powers that I have not exercised.

Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewing

As there is to be a meeting instead of a procession, are there not powers which the Home Secretary possesses to suggest that meetings should not be held in that part of the country, which would mean police being drawn away from their very valuable anti-crime duties at a time when their presence is very important elsewhere?

Mr. Ede

No, Sir. I have no power to discriminate between meetings, and I am determined not to do anything that will lead to any suppression of free speech. If anything is said at this meeting which makes it appear likely that a breach of the peace will be caused, appropriate action will be taken.