HC Deb 04 March 1937 vol 321 cc514-5
32. Sir Alfred Beit

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will take special steps, in view of the crowds of visitors who may be expected to visit Great Britain for the Coronation, to protect them from undesirable characters such as confidence-men, professional beggars, and the like.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir John Simon)

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis is fully alive to the need for taking all necessary measures for the protection of visitors to London for the Coronation.

Sir A. Beit

Does not my right hon. Friend consider that the existing powers and the Force to carry them out may require special reinforcement on the occasion to which I refer in my question?

Sir J. Simon

I do not think any further powers are needed. Of course, we shall consider, as we always do, how far they are sufficient.

Mr. George Griffiths

How is it possible to prevent visitors to this country from meeting confidential men when they have got to meet the Foreign Secretary?