§ 19. Mr. Banfieldasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the presiding magistrate at the, Guildhall Justice Room, on 20th March, 1895, fined two street traders in public securities a total of £15 for obstructing Throgmorton Street; whether any change in this connection has been made in the instructions issued to the police since that date, and on what grounds are street traders in public securities now permitted to obstruct Throgmorton Street for the purpose of vending their wares; and will he give a list of public highways in the Metropolis which may be used for street trading without hindrance by the police?
§ Sir S. HoareI am informed that the fines referred to in the first part of the question were in respect of charges of assaulting the police and obstructing the police respectively. As regards the second part of the question, I have no responsibility, but I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Wimbledon (Sir J. Power) on 5th May. As regards the last part of the question, local authorities in the Metropolitan Police district have certain powers of prescribing streets for the purposes of street trading, but I am not in possession of detailed information as to their exercise of these powers.
§ Mr. Garro JonesWill the right hon. Gentleman request the Stock Exchange Committee, if this form of trading is necessary, to organise it with proper facilities indoors?
§ Sir S. HoareI understand that the use of Throgmorton Street is not causing impediment in the way of traffic, and I see no reason to interfere.
§ Mr. Garro JonesWhat about the busy hours?