§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if has issued any circulars to chief constables in connection with marches and processions held by political and other organisations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles Shaw:The Home Office issued a general circular to chief officers of police in May 1981 explaining the procedure to be followed when applying for an order banning marches or processions under section 3 of the Public Order Act 1936. I have arranged for a copy of this circular to be placed in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what have been the three most specific and narrow bans on processions made under the Public Order Act 1936 in the last 20 years; and if the legality of the specific and narrow nature of these bans was ever questioned in court;
(2) on how many occasions he has refused consent to an application from a chief constable to order a ban on any marches and processions under section 3(3) of the Public Order Act 1936 in each of the past 10 years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles Shaw:I shall reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.