HC Deb 03 July 1947 vol 439 cc1504-5
63. Mr. Piratin

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps were taken by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolitan area to safeguard the lives of children at busy roads and crossings when numbers of police were withdrawn from such duties during the days of the Ascot races.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Ede)

No police were withdrawn from duties in connection with the safety of school children for the purpose of the Ascot races.

Mr. Piratin

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain how it was the police in Acton informed the local schools that they would have to make their own provisions at crossings, because the police were to be taken off their normal duties?

Mr. Ede

The police officer who made such a statement was singularly devoid of the gift of prophecy.

Mr. Keeling

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that in the future, as in the past, every citizen will receive the protection of the police without distinction of class or age?

Mr. Ede

As far as the number of the police will allow.

64. Mr. Piratin

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police, and from which divisions of the Metropolitan area, were withdrawn from their normal duties during the days of the Ascot races.

Mr. Ede

A small number of detective officers were sent to Ascot, and two inspectors, two sergeants and 16 constables of T. Division were engaged inside their own division in dealing with the Ascot traffic.

Mr. Butcher

May I ask whether there has been any increase in Communist activities during their absence?

Mr. Mitchison

Had these officers the gift of prophecy at Ascot?

Mr. Ede

Only detectives were sent to Ascot, and their job was to ascertain those who were prophesying a quick run for the bookmakers.