§ MR. PICKERSGILL (Bethnal Green, S.W.)(for Mr. SYDNEY BUXTON) (Tower Hamlets', Poplar) asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention had been called to the case of assault by gipsies in Epping Forest on 11th July, for which assault several men were, on 29th July, sentenced by the Bench at the Epping Petty Sessions to various terms of imprisonment; whether he is aware that parts of Epping Forest are infested by gipsies, and that the above is not an isolated case of assault by them; and, what steps he proposes to take to render the Forest safe to visitors? The hon. Gentleman also asked, Whether the right hon. Gentleman has received the Report from the Chief Constable for Essex, with reference to the gipsies who frequent Epping Forest; and, what steps he proposes to take to render the Forest safe to visitors?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)Yes, Sir; I have received a Report from the Chief Constable of Essex, who informs me that since the assault by gipsies in Epping Forest on July 11 he had sta- 663 tioned an extra constable at the village of Theydon Bois, and no further disturbance had taken place. The Railway Authorities have also been requested, and have promised, to communicate with the police at Epping when any number of excursionists may be expected there, so that all proper precautions may be taken. The Chief Constable believes that the sentences inflicted by the Epping Bench will have a deterrent effect in the future; and, with regard to the alleged insecurity of the Forest, he is not aware, excepting this particular case, of any serious assault having taken place.