§ 42. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what special steps he is taking to protect the public against pickpockets on the occasion of the Coronation.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeThe Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis is fully alive to the importance of dealing with this type of thief, but it would not be in the public interest to disclose the steps which he is taking.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Minister think that the Commissioner of Police knows of the statement that has been made that a large number of international crooks are coming to London to celebrate the Coronation and that some of them are actually installed in hotels, disguised as hotel proprietors? Will he convey these suspicions and any prima facie evidence to the Commissioner of Police?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeAssistance is being given through the International 2296 Criminal Police Commission to help us to control the activities of known alien pickpockets. On the general question, any special information in the possession of the hon. Gentleman would be gratefully received.
§ Mr. ChetwyndDoes the right hon. and learned Gentleman think that any such special steps are necessary in view of the fact that the Government have already removed the incentive to pickpockets by emptying the pockets of the public?