§ Mr. Frank Fieldasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list his powers to grant dispensation from the provisions of the Public Order Act 1936 to allow the wearing of uniforms signifying association with any political organisation.
§ Mr. HurdThe power, to consent to the making of an order by a chief officer of police, is in section 1(1) of the Public Order Act 1936, which is as follows
Subject as hereinafter provided, any person who in any public place or at any public meeting wears uniform signifying his association with any political organisation or with the promotion of any political object shall be guilty of an offence.Provided that, if the chief officer of police is satisfied that the wearing of any such uniform as aforesaid on any ceremonial, anniversary, or other special occasion will not be likely to involve risk of public disorder, he may, with the consent of the Secretary of State, by order permit the wearing of such uniform on that occasion either absolutely or subject to such condition as may be specified in the order.