§ 27. Mr. Thorneasked the Home Secretary what action is taken by the chief 3493 of the Metropolitan police to protect the people when property is being demolished in the various parts of the Metropolitan police area?
§ Earl WintertonThe Metropolitan Police have no special statutory duties in connection with demolitions, nor have they any instructions specifically relating to demolitions as such. They are, however, instructed wherever buildings or structures appear to be in a dangerous condition to warn any occupants, to prevent pedestrians from passing near, and where necessary to divert traffic.
§ Mr. ThorneIs the noble lord aware that a woman was killed in consequence of a hoarding not being properly protected; and surely somebody is responsible in such cases?
§ Earl WintertonIf the hon. Member has in mind the recent case in Newport, the circumstances there are quite different. There are no regulations, I understand, in that particular place such as exist in London in regard to the demolition of buildings.