HC Deb 13 February 1930 vol 235 cc585-6
39. Mr. HARRIS

asked the Home Secretary whether extra police are employed in the Metropolitan area to regulate cinema queues; and, if so, who defrays the cost?

Mr. CLYNES

If police are specially employed for the purpose the cost is borne by the proprietors concerned, but if police have to intervene to prevent obstruction, in the course of their ordinary duties, no charge is made.

Mr. HARRIS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that near certain centres every Sunday evening a very large number of police are so employed, and is it not reasonable that the cinema proprietors should be made responsible for the extra cost?

Mr. CLYNES

That is the effect of my answer.

Mr. BECKETT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that as many as three policemen and a sergeant are to be found helping to put cars into queues at the side of the road and that afterwards they walk round and summon people for leaving their cars.

Mr. CLYNES

If the hon. Member wishes to make any definite charge—

Mr. BECKETT

Ask the hon. Member for Kingston-on-Thames (Sir G. Penny).

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