HC Deb 02 July 1940 vol 362 cc657-8
35. Mr. Butcher

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of police engaged each week in controlling traffic, regulating crowds and protecting officials at dog race meetings in the Metropolitan area; and whether he will prohibit all such meetings to release the officers so engaged for more useful service?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security (Mr. Mabane)

Fifty-six Metropolitan police officers were engaged for between two to three hours each, during the week ended 29th June, in controlling traffic and members of the public outside greyhound race meetings. No police are engaged to protect officials. My right hon. Friend does not consider that he would be justified in prohibiting these meetings on this ground alone.

Mr. Butcher

Would the hon. Gentleman take the sense of the House in this matter?

Sir Herbert Williams

How many police are engaged in regulating traffic to theatres and cinemas and other forms of amusement?

Miss Rathbone

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a large part of the supply of grain is used in feeding greyhounds?

Mr. Gallacher

How many police are used to attend Communist party meetings from which they could quite easily be withdrawn?

Captain Sir William Brass

How many police are wasting their time in timing motor cars over straight roads?