§ 74. Sir Percy Hurdasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the police are taking steps to stop the placarding of walls and other private property with political slogans, especially those which incite to war?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)The police are not concerned with the political purpose of such placards or markings, and can only take action if there is a breach of the law. The placarding or marking of buildings, walls, etc., abutting on public places without the consent of the owner or occupier is prohibited in the Metropolitan Police District by the Metropolitan Police Act, 1839. Elsewhere the practice can be prohibited by (good rule) by-laws made under Section 249 of the Local Government Act, 1933.
§ Sir P. HurdCan my hon. Friend say whether the police are, in fact, taking action when pavements on the public highways are defaced in this way by pugnacious slogans?
§ Mr. LloydI have no reason to believe that the police are not carrying out their duties efficiently.