§ 11. Mr. Fernyhoughasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions by the Metropolitan Police are pending arising out of the incidents, investigated by them, which involved approximately 200 young men and women at Sloane Square Underground station on Thursday, 19th March.
§ Mr. RentonThe Metropolitan Police were not concerned.
§ Mr. FernyhoughIs the Minister aware that I read in the Press that 15 constables and a sergeant tried to eject these people? Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that it causes great embarrassment and inconvenience to the law-minded traveling public if people behave on trains in this hooligan manner? Does not the Minister think they should be restricted?
§ Mr. RentonI do not think the hon. Gentleman has quite appreciated that on London Transport property the Metropolitan Police do not patrol the premises and do not intervene in incidents unless 1116 they are called in; and they were not called in on this occasion.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes that mean that London Transport has allowed incidents to occur concerning the welfare of its passengers without making any protest or representation to the Metropolitan Police?
§ Mr. RentonLondon Transport Executive has its own police, the British Transport Commission police, and did not call in the Metropolitan Police on this occasion.