§ 32. Major Procterasked the Home Secretary who was responsible for choosing the route of the procession of the National Spinsters' Association from Kingsway Hall to Hyde Park on 14th May; whether he is aware that this route was nearly five miles as against the direct route of about two miles; and whether, in view of the fact that many middle-aged and elderly women were compelled on this account to fall out of the procession through exhaustion, he will inquire into the whole matter?
§ Sir S. HoareThe most direct route from Kingsway Hall to Hyde Park would have been ¾ miles in length, but it would have entailed the march of some 2,500 people through the heart of the West End of London on a Saturday night at a time when theatre traffic is heavy. The Commissioner of Police accordingly felt obliged to give directions that the procession should take an alternative route through less crowded streets. This route was in fact only half a mile longer than the most direct route.
§ Mr. GallacherWould it not have been more considerate if the theatre traffic had been made to take another route?