§ 93. Mr. NEWMANasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that certain traders have lately, on several occasions, complained to the police authorities regarding the interference to their business caused by theatre queues obstructing access to and egress from their premises; whether he has received any information to this effect from the police authorities; and, if so, what action he intends to take?
§ Mr. McKENNAI am informed that, as far as can be ascertained, only one such complaint has been received by the police for a considerable time.
§ 94. Mr. NEWMANasked the right hon. Gentleman whether his attention has been called to a canvass of pit and gallery patrons lately undertaken at a leading London theatre, which showed that 1,573 persons were in favour of abolishing the theatre queue and only seventeen were in favour of its retention; and whether, in view of the fact that the early opening of the doors at this theatre on the nights of the canvass led to the abolition of the queue, he will instruct the police in future to clear the footways wherever queues are formed?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have seen a newspaper statement to the effect indicated. The formation of a queue is a convenient arrangement for regulating a crowd, and is resorted to by the police when necessary, not only outside theatres, but on the occasion of public meetings, concerts, sales at shops, etc. I should not feel justified in giving the instruction referred to.
§ Mr. NEWMANIs the Home Secretary aware that several eminent medical men have reported on the danger to health and loss of life occasioned by people standing in those queues?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have not seen the reports to which the hon. Member refers. If he will direct my attention to them, I shall be very happy to read them.