The Public Order Bill The discussion of the Public Order
Bill in Committee on Monday revealed again the approval with which the Bill is regarded by all parties. The Home Secretary has indeed exploited to the full the opportunity given him to show that, in defence of democracy in Great Britain, Government and Opposition are at one ; the calm progress of the Bill is a remarkable proof of the thesis that party government is possible in England because in essentials there is no conflict of opinion. Sir John Simon made a valuable concession to critics of the measure by a change which ensures that leaders of an organisation shall not be responsible for acts of its members in their absence if they can -show they neithei consented to- nor -connived at. them. The Government has shown an admirable willingness to accept criticisms in detail ; even so. stern an opponent as Mr. Pritt was placated. Agreement on the principles of the: Bill has made discussion of details easy, and demands for • a Closer definition of- uniforms and the extension of pro- hibition to banners found no support. The progress of the Bill, which may become law even sooner than expected, is a credit both to those responsible for framing it and to Parliament.
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