§ 28. Mr. Dayasked the Home Secretary the number of persons who were reported and dealt with by the Metropolitan Police for the 12 months ended at the last convenient date for contravention of the Highways Act, 1835, by interrupting the free passage of the highway and failing to keep to the left or near side of the kerb?
§ Sir S. HoareSeparate figures in respect of these two offences are not available and the information asked for could not be obtained without considerable research. During the year ended 31st May last there were in the Metropolitan Police District 29,315 summonses for various offences of obstructing the highway, including those mentioned by the hon. Member; and in addition 4,141 cases were dealt with by written caution and 222,518 cases by verbal warning or advice. It will be appreciated that these totals consist mainly of cases of obstruction by vehicles.
§ Sir S. HoareI have given the answer at the end of my reply as to the numbers dealt with by warning.
§ Mr. H. G. WilliamsWhat authority have the police to give a warning to a person who has not committed an offence?
§ Sir S. HoarePerhaps I should have said "advice."