§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he wall make a statement outlining the nature of the request which the London Sikh community submitted to the Metropolitan police recently on the holding of a march to Hyde park and a meeting in the park; and what decision he has made on these requests.
§ Mr. Giles ShawMembers of the Sikh community in London informed the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that it was their intention to hold a religious meeting on 18 November followed by a march through London to commemorate those Sikhs recently killed in India. The plans were for a religious service to take place in Hyde park from 12.30 pm to 2.00 pm; at 2.30 pm those assembled would march to Jubilee gardens via Hyde park corner, Victoria street, Westminster bridge and York road.
The Commissioner was of the opinion that his powers to give directions under section 3(1) of the Public Order Act 1936 would be insufficient to prevent serious public disorder. He therefore sought the Home Secretary's consent to an order under section 3(3) of the Act prohibiting, from 17 November to 24 November, the holding of all public processions within the Metropolitan police district, except those customarily held of a religious, educational, festive or ceremonial character. My right hon. and learned Friend gave his consent to the order on 16 November. In the light of this decision my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment withdrew the permission he had initially granted for the use of Hyde park as a meeting and assembly point.