§ THE EARL OF SELBORNEMy Lords, I rise to ask the noble Marquess the Leader of the House a Question of which I have given him private notice—namely, whether the Police can in any way regulate the action of newsboys, especially late at night. It needs little imagination to realise what the effect may he in a few days or in a few weeks time of the words "Awful slaughter" resounding through the streets in the early hours of the morning. I understand that the Police are anxious to have power to deal with this matter.
THE MARQUESS OF CREWEMy Lords, I will certainly bring to the notice of the Home Secretary the point which the noble Earl has raised. I can say at once that it seems to me that if it is possible for the Police—and I cannot believe it can be impossible—to obtain powers to deal with this matter, they ought to be entrusted with them. These are certainly not times at which we desire to encourage any kind of fictitious excitement. There is quite enough that is serious, without any fictitious addition. Therefore I will lose no time in bringing the matter to the notice of my right hon. friend.
§ VISCOUNT ST. ALDWYNIf it would require legislation for this purpose, I hope that the placards which are used all over the place may be included, for they do as much harm as the street cries.
THE MARQUESS OF CREWEI will include that point in bringing the matter to the notice of my right hon. friend.