§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ensure that peaceful demonstrations against apartheid in South Africa are allowed to continue outside South Africa house, and that such demonstrators 549W are permitted to solicit for signatures for petitions on this matter; why such demonstrations have recently been restricted or prohibited; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdPeople are free to demonstrate provided that they do so within the law. The police are present at demonstrations to maintain the peace and prevent or deal with the commission of offences. The policing of any particular demonstration is a matter for the chief officer of police for the area concerned. The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis tells me that no special restrictions have been placed on recent demonstrations outside the South African embassy.