HC Deb 31 July 1980 vol 989 cc1715-6
11. Mr. Snape

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has issued any circulars to chief constables in connection with marches and processions held by political or other organisations; and what these are.

Mr. Whitelaw

No, Sir.

Mr. Snape

Is the Home Secretary aware that the National Front proposes to march through West Bromwich next month? Is he further aware that many prominent Church leaders, and others, have asked the chief constable of the West Midlands to ban that march? Does the Home Secretary agree that it is an abuse of democracy to allow this organisation to import various thugs and Hitler worshippers to march through a town which most of them have never seen? Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to do something about it?

Mr. Whitelaw

As the hon. Gentleman knows, under the Public Order Act 1936 it is for the chief constable to reach his own decision on whether to approach the local authority concerned to seek a ban on the march. I cannot direct him to seek a ban and I cannot anticipate his decision. I shall, of course, consider most carefully any request for my approval of such a ban.

Mr. Allan Roberts

Is the Home Secretary aware that processions will take place at the Notting Hill carnival in August? Does he recall that last year there was very little trouble at those processions, in contrast to the previous year? Is he aware that I believe that that was mainly because the officers who policed those processions last year were those who usually police the House of Commons. They went to Notting Hill during the recess and treated the marchers like Members of Parliament rather than as potential offenders. Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police to ensure that the same policemen are on duty this year as were on duty last year?

Mr. Whitelaw

Without comparing the various groups of people with whom the police have to deal I note what the hon. Gentleman says and I join him in paying tribute to the police in the Palace of Westminster. I shall certainly see that the Commissioner is made aware of what the hon. Gentleman says. The Notting Hill carnival presents considerable problems and I hope that those who organise it are ready to co-operate with the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. He has shown that he is prepared to co-operate with them. If there is that co-operation I believe that the carnival will, once more, pass off peacefully.