§ 18. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why so many people are allowed to loiter and obstruct the pavements in Frith Street and Old Compton Street, Soho; and what action is being taken in the matter.
§ Mr. DeedesI am informed by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the police move people on where it is necessary to prevent obstruction.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs the Joint Under-Secretary aware that this corner, where occasional razor contests take place, is infested all day long by riff-raff and lay-abouts connected with racing gangs? If he goes along there he will see them standing there now. Why does he not instruct the police to keep them moving?
§ Mr. DeedesIt is quite true that there are large crowds here. They congregate here and street bookmakers are a problem in the area. The police do take action, but if they are to prevent grounds for complaints of over-bearing behaviour—which there have been—the police have to use their discretion in moving people along.