HC Deb 02 August 1956 vol 557 c1575
18. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked 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. Deedes

I 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 Lipton

Is 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. Deedes

It 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.