HC Deb 17 March 1927 vol 203 cc2182-3
36. Mr. ERNEST ALEXANDER

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the growing practice of defacing the pavements of the public highway, particularly in the East End of London, with announcements of forthcoming processions, demonstrations, and meetings of a political character; whether he has sanctioned a by-law to deal with this nuisance in the area of the London County Council similar to that operated by the Essex County Council; and, if so, seeing that it is not enforced, will he consider the advisability of legislation upon the subject?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Captain Hacking)

I have been asked to reply. No reports that the practice is increasing have reached me. The London County Council have not made any by-law on the subject, but many of the Metropolitan borough councils have done so, in terms similar to those of the Essex by-law. I am not aware that the by-law where it is in operation is not enforced, but I will make inquiries.

Mr. THURTLE

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the esthetic sense of the East End of London is not offended by this practice?

Captain HACKING

No, I am not aware of that.

Sir J. NALL

Is it not a fact that a great many of these advertisements can be fittingly inscribed only where they are inscribed—on the pavements?