11 DECEMBER 1936, Page 3

The discussions on the Public Order Bill concluded in as

friendly and public-spirited an atmosphere as that in which they were launched. This was very largely due to the sympathetic and searching consideration that the Home Secretary has given to every amendment. Through- out he has been at pains to see that the provisions of the Bill interfered to the least possible degree with legitimate political activities. The only substantial fear now remaining in the minds of Members is that the Bill might become in other hands a valuable weapon for a Right Wing Government desiring to oppress an incon- venient minority. There is always the danger, as in the case of the Official. Secrets Act, that a Bill may be used for purposes other than those originally intended.