§ 42. Sir H. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why two police constables were warning motorists with a view to summonses for obstruction in Tothill Street on the morning of 17th May.
§ Mr. EdeThe constables were on this duty because of the many complaints received by the Commissioner of obstruction by unattended cars in Tothill Street. Whenever possible, cases are dealt with by caution or warning, but where a case shows a complete disregard of the convenience of traffic it is the practice to apply for a summons.
§ Sir H. WilliamsWhy, then, did they neglect this street from about 17th January, when they caught me, until 17th May, when they did not?
§ Mr. EdeI have no doubt they thought that, so big a fish having got into the net, the net had better be properly examined to see whether it would stand further strain.
§ Sir H. WilliamsDoes the right hon. Gentleman not realise that this is a complete waste of police manpower, and that this street is the same every day; that once every three months they catch a certain number of people and issue summonses, and then leave it completely alone?
§ Mr. EdeNo, Sir. This is a street that I know fairly well, and I think it is one that calls for police supervision.
§ Mr. MikardoAs my right hon. Friend knows the street fairly well, will he give some consideration to The Broadway, at the end of the street, which, as its name implies is a very wide street, where there 2228 is room for cars to park tail on to the kerb and still leave plenty of room? As, once a quarter, as the hon. Member for Croydon, East (Sir H. Williams) has said, the police come along and "pinch" a few people who park there regularly every day, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that in this part of Westminster, which is very busy, there are virtually no official parking places at all?
§ Mr. EdeI am quite certain that the police do their very best in the difficult circumstances of this area to be fair to all people, and, at the same time, to keep the wheels moving.
§ Major Tufton BeamishIs the Home Secretary aware that I was recently summoned and fined for parking my car in The Broadway within an inch of the pavement?