§ Mr. LYLEasked the Home Secretary whether any special instructions have been issued to the police with respect to the holding and conduct of Bolshevist and Communist meetings, especially in the public parks; whether the putting of questions is deemed by the police to be an improper interruption; and whether decorous observations by critical opponents is permitted?
§ Mr. SHORTTInstructions of a permanent nature are issued for the guidance of the police, with a view to the preservation of the peace at public meetings, and apply equally toall meetings, whether organised and attended by Communists, or Bolshevists or otherwise. But, with the exception of Hyde Park, the Metropolitan Police do not patrol the public parks and do not take action therein unless called on by the park authorities. It is not for the police to permit or to stop the putting of questions, so long as disorder is not occasioned thereby, or a breach of the peace becomes imminent.