§ Mr. Keyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to ensure that the police have power to control public assemblies on both public and private land, and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawClause 14 of the Public Order Bill seeks to give the police power, in certain circumstances, to impose conditions on those organising or participating in a public assembly in a public place. In the committee proceedings [Official Report, Standing Committee G, 11 and 13 March 1986], we undertook to consider further whether any change in the law was required in respect of assemblies on private land. Discussions with the police and others are continuing but, as my right hon. Friend indicated in Standing Committee, it would be wrong to rush into legislation on what is a difficult and sensitive issue. We cannot yet give any indication of when conclusions are likely to be reached.