HC Deb 22 April 1907 vol 172 cc1414-5
MR. LEA

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the public nuisance caused to the neigh-boorhood by the races which take place from time to time at Alexandra Park; whether he is aware that the residents of Wood Green, Hornsey, and Harringay are continually protesting against it, on account of the number of scoundrels who attend these races from all parts of London; whether he is aware that, on the days that these races take place, police protection is totally inadequate in the neighbourhoods above mentioned and to the ordinary travelling public on the Great Northern Railway between King's Cross and Wood Green stations; and what steps does he propose taking to cause a cessation of the nuisance, or to provide increased police protection to the general public.

MR. GLADSTONE

No representations have been made to me to the effect of the first part of the Question. This racecourse is licensed annually by the county council, and persons who object to the crowds attending the races have an opportunity every year of opposing the grant of a licence. On the days when races take place special measures are taken by the police for preserving order on the roads and public places in the neighbourhood; but their action does not extend to the promises of the railway company, as these are the property of the company.

MR. LEA

asked Whether the right hon. Gentleman would cause inquiries to be made as to the facts dealt with in the Question.

MR. GLADSTONE

assumed that, if a nuisance was created, representations would be made to him by those concerned, such as they were entitled to make if there was any deficiency of police protection. The main question was primarily one for the Middlesex County Council.

MR. BOTTOMLEY (Hackney, S.)

May I ask the. right, hon. Gentleman whether any case has been brought to his notice of any outrage against either person or property on the part of any person attending Alexandra Park races for many years past?

MR. GLADSTONE

As far as I am aware no representations of the kind have been made to my Department.