HC Deb 24 February 1927 vol 202 cc1886-7
10. Viscount SANDON

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to avoid in future the state of affairs existing within police knowledge, as revealed in the recent case of the restaurant in Great White Lion Street, Soho?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)

The premises to which I understand my Noble Friend to refer have received the special attention of the police. The proprietor has twice been prosecuted and convicted for permitting disorderly conduct and other undesirable activities on the premises, which will continue to be kept under observation with a view suitable action in the event of any further offences against the law.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman going to introduce any form of colour bar into this country or make any distinction between blacks and whites?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

That does not arise on this question.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Does not this episode reinforce a question which I have frequently asked as to whether it is not time that he gave serious attention to some of these resorts in London and have, a general clearing up?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

The hon and gallant Gentleman surely knows that I do think it is a, very serious question, and I am willing at all times to receive any information from the hon. and gallant Member or anyone else.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Has the right hon. Gentleman not told me already that he has not the legal powers to deal with this question and, in view of the meagre programme of the Government, will the right hon. Gentleman ask for those powers?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

If I were satisfied that it is the general wish of the House that the Home Secretary should have more powers in this direction, it might be possible to introduce a Bill. [HON. MEMBERS: "No."] I am not satisfied that that is the case.

Mr. MACLEAN

If the right hon. Gentleman considers that he has not sufficient police to co-operate in scrutinising more carefully these resorts, will he see that some of the police are withdrawn from the meetings where they are sent to take notes?

Mr. SPEAKER

Order order. We have a long list of questions to go through.