§ 40. Mr. BOYTONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to a recent inquest on the body of a boy of thirteen years who was drowned in the 746 Regent's Canal, St. Marylebone, by Grove End Road; whether he is aware that no less than six children from the St. Marylebone district have been drowned in this canal during the last two years; and whether he will instruct the Commissioner of Police to place officers on duty at certain dangerous points, particularly during the summer time, during school holidays, after school hours, and on Saturdays and Sundays?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)My attention has been called to the deaths of children from drowning in the Regent's Canal. The canal is private property, and the obligation to make secure the approaches and to deal with trespassers rests upon the Canal Company, who have statutory powers for the purpose. I do not think the police should be employed to prevent trespass in private grounds, but I will make further inquiry as to what steps can be taken to ensure that dangerous access to the canal by children shall be prevented.
§ Mr. BOYTONMay I remind the right hon. Gentleman that I received a similar answer on a previous occasion—I think from his predecessor? The Canal Company, the education authority and the borough council, and the police authorities are always very sympathetic at these frequent inquests.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is giving information and not asking it.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANDoes the right hon. Gentleman know at what particular points the most frequent accidents occur?
§ Mr. McKENNAI think the point raised in the question is one of the danger spots.