§ MR. MASSEY-MAINWARING (Finsbury, Central)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the insecurity of the streets in Clerkenwell and elsewhere caused by organised bands of ruffians; and whether, in view of the danger to peaceful citizens residing there, he will cause the force of police to be increased in such districts?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENTI have received representations from the vestry on this subject, but after making inquiries I was not satisfied that there was any such insecurity as was alleged, or such a condition of lawlessness that the existing force of police in the district were unable to cope with it. In certain districts there is doubtless more street rowdyism than in others, due to the general character of the population, but, as far as the police are concerned, active steps are taken by them to suppress any disturbances and to arrest offenders. The matter is, of course, of some importance, and I shall not lose sight of it.