Meeting, Hackney

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Police – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 7 Awst 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr James Ede Mr James Ede , South Shields 12:00, 7 Awst 1947

I do not regard the number of police engaged at the meeting mentioned in the original Question as being out of proportion to the risks that were being run by the police. It is the duty of the police to prevent, if possible, a breach of the peace and not to act only after it has occurred. With regard to the other meeting, I had no notice from the hon. Gentleman that he was going to raise it, and therefore, I cannot answer the question which he has put to me. The police have to deal with each situation that arises in the light of the circumstances that exist at the particular moment.