§ 10. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Home Secretary how many prosecutions for offences in Hyde Park have been brought by the Metropolitan police during the last three months; how many have succeeded; and whether any decision has been reached regarding the better lighting of Hyde Park at night?
§ Sir V. HENDERSONDuring the three months to 31st October there were 264 prosecutions for various offences involving 298 persons. In every case except three, involving three persons, the offence was found to have been proved. As regards the second part of the question my noble Friend the First Commissioner of Works informs me that additional lights have been provided and are now in use in certain parts of the Park where better lighting was considered necessary, namely in the area behind the Achilles Statue and at two other points in the central part of the Park.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIf this lighting is sufficient why is there this extraordinary number of prosecutions; and will the hon. and gallant Gentleman look into the matter of increasing the lighting? Further, is he aware that jest before the Recess the Home Secretary admitted that the police had been reluctant to carry out their duty in prosecutions for indecency? Has that reluctance been removed?
§ Sir V. HENDERSONAs far as I am aware, in fact I am certain, the police always carry out their duty. As to the first part of the question, the lighting, which I have personally examined, was considered suitable and sufficient. in the eyes of the inspector who is in charge of the Park, and there is nothing to show that these particular offences are necessarily due to defective lighting.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYI was not in any way impugning the efficiency of the police, but is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that, owing to the attacks made upon them, the police were reluctant to carry out their duty?
§ Mr. HAYESIs the report of the Street Offences Committee likely to have any effect on the methods by which Hyde Park is policed?
§ Sir V. HENDERSONThe report has not yet been received by my right hon. Friend, and obviously I cannot say.
Viscountess ASTORDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman not think that if we had more qualified and trained policewomen matters would be improved?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat raises quite another subject.