HC Deb 09 December 1943 vol 395 cc1127-8
43. Mr. Thorne

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with the police raid on the Apex Club, Mile End Road, as a result of which Mrs. Ettie da Costa, of Mabon Terrace, Stepney, and others were charged at the Old Street Police Court on Monday last; and what he intends doing to prevent the growth of such clubs?

Mr. H. Morrison

This club was entered by the police on 4th December. Mrs. da Costa and two other principals were arrested, together with 27 persons found on the premises. On 6th December the three principals were ordered to pay fines amounting to £250 and £31 10s. costs; the remaining persons were bound over. The police do all they can to prevent the growth of such clubs by taking action whenever evidence of breaches of the law can be obtained.

Mr. Thorne

May I ask whether it is the intention to close this club?

Mr. Morrison

I could not say.

Viscountess Astor

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the people concerned have plenty of money with which to pay fines and that the only way of getting rid of these clubs is to close them?

Mr. Morrison

I entirely agree that many of these places are most objectionable, but my powers are, of course, limited.

Mr. Evelyn Walkden

When such raids take place do the police check up on identification cards, the nature of the jobs the men are supposed to be doing, and the ages, in particular the age relating to military service, and is any of that evidence passed over to the Minister of Labour?

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir, it must have been done in this case, because I am informed that no deserters or persons evading military service were found in the club.