§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTON (Tower Hamlets, Poplar)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether he is aware that in Poplar, and other parts of East London, the police have recently removed all stalls from market streets unfrequented by vehicular traffic, where such stalls had been used without complaint for many years; why, and at whose instance, such action has been taken; and, whether he will ascertain the opinion of the Local Authorities in regard to such interference?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)I am informed by the Commissioner of Police 1044 that the police had removed no stalls from the market streets alluded to; but in certain cases, where the stalls rendered the footpaths and streets practically impassable, they first cautioned the owners of the stalls, and, where that was ineffectual, they applied for summonses against the worst offenders, and in all the cases the magistrates convicted. The police had no other object in view than to keep the streets and roadways free for ordinary traffic. Any representations that the Local Authorities may address to me will be fully considered.
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONinquired, whether one woman who had had a stall at one spot for 23 years had been summoned?
§ MR. MATTHEWSI am not aware of the fact. If she has caused an obstruction for 23 years that gives her no right to continue to do so.