HC Deb 06 February 1980 vol 978 cc217-8W
Mr. George Cunningham

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the full terms of reference and coverage of the review being conducted within government of the Public Order Act and related matters; and, in particular, what aspects of the right to demonstrate are being covered by the review.

Mr. Whitelaw

The review is primarily concerned with the statutory provisions relating to public order, principally the Public Order Act 1936, as amended, and sections 82 to 84 of the Representation of the People Act 1949. It embraces questions relating to different forms of demonstration, including public marches, assemblies and meetings, as well as to the right to demonstrate itself.