§ 13. Mr. DAYasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the collapse, on Tuesday, 11th September, of a large hoarding, 30 feet in length, which was erected in front of the windows of D. H. Evans' premises in Oxford Street, which seriously injured many of the public; whether there are any regulations issued by his Department with reference to the erection of hoardings of this nature; and, if so, are they inspected by officers of his Department either during erection or on completion?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSUnder the Metropolis Management and London Building Acts the local authorities have 198 certain powers of licensing hoardings, but I understand that these powers did not apply in the case in question, and that the hoarding was therefore not licensed or inspected by the local authority. I will, however, go further into the matter and inform the hon. Member of the result in due course.
§ Mr. DAYDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that some protection ought to be made for the public in cases of this kind?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSPerhaps I had better not say anything further, but I am much obliged to the hon. Gentleman for bringing the case to my notice.