HC Deb 14 August 1940 vol 364 cc772-3
80. Captain Strickland

asked the Home Secretary what steps have been taken to enforce the bearing of identity cards by all vagrants; and what steps are taken to impose penalties on vagrants not carrying such cards?

Mr. Peake

Chief officers of police have been advised that, in the existing situation, the police should exercise their powers under Section 6 of the National Registration Act, 1939, to require members of the public to produce their registration cards. My right hon. Friend is in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health on the question whether any special steps need to be taken with regard to vagrants.

Captain Strickland

Are the Department giving full consideration to the grave public danger arising from the present rather inadequate supervision of vagrancy?

Mr. Peake

Perhaps I might inform my hon. and gallant Friend that the Security Services do not regard vagrants as being a class of persons in regard to whom special attention is necessary.

Captain Strickland

Is my hon. Friend aware that at present vagrants can go about the country not necessarily under any control whatever?

Mr. Peake

Yes, Sir. But vagrants automatically incur the attention of the police and others.

Mr. Radford

Would it not be the easiest thing for German spies to dress themselves as vagrants?