HC Deb 22 January 1958 vol 580 cc1041-2
29. Mr. Fernyhough

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many prosecutions are pending arising out of the incidents involving approximately 200 young men and women at Knightsbridge Underground station on Sunday, 8th December.

Mr. Watkinson

This is a matter for the London Transport Executive whose police cover these premises. I am, however, informed that they do not consider there are grounds for prosecution.

Mr. Fernyhough

Is it not rather remarkable that when more than 200 "debs and debs' delights" act like hooligans, inconvenience passengers, play hide-and-seek in coaches and run up and down escalators, no offence is committed? If any working-class lad did that, the whole weight of the police force would be brought against him. Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the indifference of the British Transport Commission in this case makes many people believe that there is one law for the rich and another for the poor?

Mr. Watkinson

I think that perhaps the hon. Member is a little muddled in his description of the classes, because I consider that in this country today every single one of us belongs to the working class.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Should not these young people consider themselves lucky that they were not Welsh and did not go to Twickenham?