HC Deb 27 November 1906 vol 165 cc1424-5
MR. CHIOZZA MONEY (Paddington, N.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been directed to the fact that the chief streets of West London are continually perambulated by dirty and ragged men carrying two, and sometimes three, heavy advertisement boards by means of an iron frame; whether he possesses any powers to suppress this form of advertising; and, if not, whether he will seek such powers at the earliest opportunity.

SIR HOWARD VINCENT

Will the right hon. Gentleman also say what other means of employment he intends to offer for these unfortunate persons thus denounced by the hon. Member for North Paddington.

* MR. GLADSTONE

The Commissioner of Police has power under the Metropolitan Street Act to control the carrying of advertisement boards, and he frequently interferes when the design is objectionable as creating a danger in the streets; but he has been unwilling to deprive these men of their living merely because they are ill-clad.

MR. CHIOZZA MONEY

Is my right hon. friend not aware that the prohibition of improper employment does not decrease the whole body of employment?

* MR. GLADSTONE

I do not see that that arises out of the Question.