HC Deb 20 July 1950 vol 477 cc2464-5
35. Earl Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will increase the number of police officers on patrol duty in London by informing the organisers of sports events in London that they must be responsible for maintaining order in their premises and that officers of the Metropolitan Police will not be available for that purpose except in emergencies.

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

This would not be practicable. Metropolitan police are only employed in this way at the principal sports grounds where the presence of police is highly desirable and necessary in view of the large crowds which assemble.

Earl Winterton

Could the right hon. Gentleman say what possible justification there can be, at a time when there is such a desperate lack of police for street duties, for having a solid line of police to guard us old gentlemen in the Pavilion at Lords after a Test Match? Is he aware that the risk of anyone being lynched at Lords is very small and that in any case it would not be playing the game?

Mr. Ede

Remarks I have heard today about West Indian bowlers make me think that there might be serious trouble for some of them. I am quite sure that the House would desire that the noble Lord should be protected at Lords, but I will inquire as to whether there was an excessive number of police there.