§ Mr. Reynoldsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many orders have been made by the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis forbidding processions since 4th May, 1963; and what reason prompted the making of each order.
§ Mr. BrookeOne order was made by the Commissioner, with my concurrence, under Section 3(3) of the Public Order Act, 1936, banning the holding of all public processions of a political nature within the Boroughs of Islington, Stoke Newington, Shoreditch, Bethnal Green, Poplar, Stepney, Finsbury, St. Pancras and Hackney for 48 hours from 8 a.m. on 6th July. This was to prevent serious disorder which the Commissioner expected, had a march planned by the Union Movement through this area been allowed.
No other such order has been made during the period in question, but on 68W nine occasions the Commissioner issued regulations and directions under Section 52 of the Metropolitan Police Act, 1839, for maintaining order and preventing the obstruction of thoroughfares: particulars are given below.
Date Occasion 5th May Traditional May Day Demonstrations and Marches by London Labour Party and Communist Party. 14th May Arrival at Victoria Station of The King and Queen of the Belgians. 8th June The Ceremony of Trooping The Colour on Horse Guards Parade. 12th June Arrival at Victoria Station of The President of India. 28th June (6 a.m.) to 1st July (8 a.m.) Demonstrations at the Greek and American Embassies. 6th July (8 a.m.) to 8th July (8 a.m.) Meetings in North and East London being held by the Union Movement and the Yellow Star Movement. 9th July Arrival at Victoria Station of The King and Queen of The Hellenes. 10th July Visit of The King and Queen of The Hellenes to the Aldwych Theatre. 9th July to 12th July State Visit of The King and Queen of The Hellenes (Visit to Guildhall, State Banquet and other events).
§ Mr. Reynoldsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give details of the processions and demonstrations carried out by organisations against nuclear weapons which have been given assistance by the Metropolitan Police during 1962 and 1963.
§ Mr. BrookeIn the Metropolitan Police District the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, the Committee of 100, the Women against the Bomb Movement and other anti-nuclear organisations held 14 major processions or demonstrations in 1962, and have held 9 so far in 1963.
Police assistance to organisers of lawful processions and demonstrations is always available and is frequently sought, but requests for assistance are not separately recorded.