§ Mr. Lambertasked the Home Secretary whether he will instruct the police to prohibit any demonstration or procession in London that is calculated to prevent law-abiding citizens from pursuing their peaceful avocations?
§ Mr. LloydIt is the duty of the police to take such steps as are necessary for the prevention of breaches of the peace and of serious public disorder, but subject to this consideration the policy is to give wide facilities for lawful demonstrations and processions. The question was fully debated when the Public Order Act of 1936 was under consideration, and the decision of Parliament was that the powers of the police should be closely limited to what is necessary for the prevention of serious public disorder.