HC Deb 26 June 1962 vol 661 cc126-7W
38. Mr. Weitzman

asked the Minister of Works why permission was granted for a meeting to be held in Trafalgar Square in July, the avowed object of which is to hold up certain British citizens to hatred, ridicule and contempt; whether he was aware of this object before consent was given; and whether he will reconsider this decision in order to avoid abuse of the principle of freedom of speech, and its possible consequences.

42. Sir B. Janner

asked the Minister of Works if he will reconsider his decision to allow the use of Trafalgar Square for a meeting on 1st July, in view of the fact that the meeting is being held for the promotion of National Socialism the tenets of which are conducive to breaches of the peace.

Lord John Hope

Permission to hold this meeting was given in accordance with normal practice. This is to allow any organisation to hold a public meeting, provided the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police sees no reason, in conformity with his duty to ensure that public order is maintained, to object. I am sure that it would be wrong for me to use my powers under the Trafalgar Square Regulations to operate political censorship, intensely as I dislike the objects of this particular meeting.