§ [SECOND READING.]
§ Order of the Day for the second reading read.
§ LORD BELPERMy Lords, this is a very small Bill, and its object is to extend the power which the police possess under the Metropolitan Streets Act, 1867, of regulating the traffic, to the making of regulations as to the places where, and the conditions under which, persons may collect money in a public street for charitable or other purposes. Very 1293 great inconvenience and annoyance has been caused in many cases by persons collecting money in the streets. There was one notable case this year where the unemployed marched about the streets in large numbers pressing people to give subscriptions. It had been believed that the Vagrants' Act would to some extent meet these cases, but owing to decisions that have been given it has been found that this law is practically inoperative in dealing with these particular cases. Section 11 of the Act of 1867 gives power to the police for regulating traffic. This is a matter quite akin to that, and is merely a slight extension of the powers they already have. The Bill is to be enforced within six miles of Charing Cross. Many societies who collect subscriptions in the streets in this way have been consulted and they have no objection to regulations; in many cases they would be willing to have the collections put a stop to altogether. The Bill has passed through the other House not only without any Amendment but without opposition. It is a much needed measure, and I hope your Lordships will give it a Second Reading.
§ On question. Bill read 2a (according to Order), and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Tuesday next.