§ MR. ALDEN (Middlesex, Tottenham)To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the danger to the public morality, he will consider the question of the illegality or otherwise of the practice adopted by certain newspapers of offering rewards for special omnibus and tram tickets; and whether he will instruct the police to put a stop to the habit which has grown up on the part of boys and young persons of waylaying passengers in order to obtain these tickets.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Gladstone.) I regret the practice of the newspapers referred to, as it seems to me to be a part of a widespread and increasing tendency 384 which I cannot but regard as contrary to the public interest, but I am not able to say definitely whether it is contrary to the law, as this point is at present under consideration. As regards the second part of the Question, if the boys cause obstruction they will be dealt with by the police on the spot.