§ 57. Sir R. THOMASasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that a deputation to the Chief Commissioner of the Metropolitan police on 16th March from the Hampstead branch of the Women's Freedom League asked for 50 women police to patrol Hampstead Heath to protect women and children from molestation; and, seeing that at present the heath is so dangerous that many parents at Hampstead will not allow their children to play there, is action to be taken along the lines asked for?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe Commissioner has informed me of the deputation. For the present, I can only say that the whole questions is under my consideration.
§ Sir R. THOMASCan the right hon. Gentleman say when these considerations and deliberations will come to an end?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSCertainly not. The hon. Member has seen that the Royal Commission reported last week dealing with this very question. It is quite impossible to arrive at a decision of this magnitude within a, very few days. The matter is being very carefully considered.
§ Sir R. THOMASIs it not well to know that the facts as pointed out in the question 2073 are correct, and is it not a very simple matter either to verify or to deny them? If the facts are correct, is it not necessary to take prompt action and not wait for a Royal Commission for weeks and months?
Viscountess ASTORWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the women have been pressing for this, not for the last year, but for five years, and does he realise that, although he is himself in favour, there are certain people in the Home Office who are not in favour, and will he watch them?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe Noble Lady must not say that. I have submitted to a good deal of pressure from her, rather willingly. I can assure her that when I arrive at a decision I will communicate it.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIn the meantime, is there any truth whatever in the allegation that it is not safe for women and children to go to Hampstead Heath?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI do not think there is the slightest.
§ Sir R. THOMASArising out of that answer, does the right hon. Gentleman mean to say that the Women's Freedom League would go to the Chief Commissioner of Police and make statements of this kind?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI told the hon. Member that the statements made by that deputation, which was not to myself, but to the Chief Commissioner of Police, were being inquired into and that a report will be made, and considered by me. At the moment, I cannot go further than to say that my general knowledge is that it does not bear out the statements.
§ Sir R. THOMASWill the right hon. Gentleman give a promise to the House that he will make a statement before the Adjournment for Easter?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNo, Sir; I cannot promise anything of the kind. It involves, first of all, a very serious statement with regard to the condition of Hampstead Heath which must be fully inquired into, and, secondly, it involves the whole question of the substitution of men police by women police.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEIn view of the reciprocal pressure referred to by the right hon. Gentleman, will he consider the matter a little further?