HC Deb 18 December 1980 vol 996 cc545-6
14. Mr. Silvester

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will make a decision on the proposal to introduce advance notice for processions.

Mr. Brittan

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. Friend aim to announce the Government's conclusions on this and other matters being considered in the review of the Public Order Act in the new year.

Mr. Silvester

I welcome my hon. and learned Friend's reply. Although it is unlikely that he will find time for anything in this Session, can we look forward to a reform of the law in the next Session?

Mr. Brittan

That is not a matter for me.

Mr. George Cunningham

Early in the new year or late in the new year? Will the Minister say whether he agrees that, whatever arrangement we make about giving notice of processions, that arrangement should apply throughout the country, because it touches on civil liberties and should not depend upon varying provisions in different local enactments?

Mr. Brittan

I cannot specify the period in the new year in which it will come, but I hope that the answer I have given indicates that it will not be unduly delayed.

The review as such will cover the law that ought to be applied, in our view, to the country as a whole and not to any part of it. But meanwhile, until that review is completed, the question whether arrangements should apply in local areas of an individual kind is something that must be looked at on the merits of each proposal.

Mr. Gummer

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that many processions turn out to be much nearer to provocative marches? Therefore, will he make sure that any arrangements apply equally to those who wish to provoke race hatred as to those who wish to provoke class hatred?

Mr. Brittan

That is certainly one of the points that we shall want to consider in the review.

Mr. Christopher Price

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that two National Front processions through the London borough of Lewisham over the last few years have caused grave offence and damage to the people of Lewisham? Will he ensure that, when the review has taken place, local authorities within the London area will be given the same sorts of powers as local authorities outside the London area, as the local councils know best what are the real problems?

Mr. Brittan

The role of local authorities in dealing with these matters is obviously one of the most important points that has been considered in the review, but I cannot anticipate the outcome of it.