§ MR. B. S. STRAUS (Tower Hamlets, Mile End)To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Metropolitan Borough of Marylebone contemplate preventing the flower-sellers at Oxford Circus from plying their trade, after having had this privilege for sixteen years; and whether he can bring any influence to bear to allow this trade to remain as it is.
(Answered by Mr. John Burns.) I have made inquiry on this subject, and am informed that the Public Health Committee of the borough council, in consequence of representations made to them, have modified their recommendations with regard to the removal of the flower-sellers from their present position. I understand that the Committee would now allow the flower-sellers to remain until 29th September, 1909, but that they recommend that after that date these persons should not be allowed to occupy the position, and that public notice should be given that no one will, in future, be allowed to occupy such position for any purpose whatever. The matter is one for the decision of the Borough council, to whom the recommendation of the Committee will be submitted on the 16th instant. I have no jurisdiction to interfere with regard to it, but I should hope it might be found practicable to allow the flower-sellers to remain.