HC Deb 22 June 1961 vol 642 c1663
15. Mr. Clive Bossom

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider issuing traffic wardens with a police whistle for use in emergencies, such as in cases of personal assault, when witnessing smash and grab raids, and for other similar occurrences.

Mr. Renton

As far as the Metropolitan Police District is concerned, I will certainly bring this suggestion to the notice of the Commissioner.

Mr. Bossom

While thanking my hon. and learned Friend for that encouraging reply, may I ask him if he is aware of the growing concern amongst traffic wardens about their conditions of service? In the last few weeks, there have been several bad cases of assault. These men do a police job with very little protection in law. Could not there be a better link in emergency between the traffic wardens and the police, especially when meters start in October in Soho?

Mr. Renton

Although tens of thousands of standard penalty notices have been issued since the scheme began, the number of wardens assaulted in the Metropolitan Police District so far has been only seven. I will, of course, bear in mind what my hon. Friend has said.