HC Deb 05 May 1896 vol 40 c550
MR. R. PIERPOINT (Warrington)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what is the minimum height from the pavement at which awnings, lamps, and other things projecting over the footways in London may be placed; and, whether he will cause the law in this matter to be carried into effect?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEY,) Lancashire, Blackpool

There is no minimum height fixed by the Acts in force in the Metropolis. Awnings, lamps and projections generally which cause annoyance or obstruction can be dealt with under Section 60 of the Metropolitan Police Act, 1839, or by the vestry or district board under Section 119 of the Metropolis Local Management Act, 1855. Heavy penalties are imposed by the latter Act for default in complying with an order of the vestry or district board for the removal or alteration of any such projection. The police have instructions to report all such cases coming under their notice, and I have no reason to believe that the law is not properly enforced. ["Hear, hear!"]