HC Deb 15 May 1934 vol 289 cc1610-1
61. Mr. OSWALD LEWIS

asked the Home Secretary whether he is yet in a position to make a statement as to the Government's policy with regard to the report of one of His Majesty's inspectors of constabulary, dated 1st November, 1933, which recommended that dealers in gold and silver articles should be registered in order to assist the police in the detection of crime and in the recovery of stolen property?

Sir J. GILMOUR

As my hon. Friend is aware, to give effect to this proposal would require legislation for which there is unlikely to be opportunity at any early date. As I have already indicated I am consulting chief officers of police with a view to seeing if a scheme can be devised which would be of assistance to them without placing undue restrictions on legitimate trade.

Mr. LEWIS

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis, in his report for 1933, expressed cordial approval of this proposal?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Oh, yes.