§ Mr. SHINWELLasked the Home Secretary how many ex-service men are 2615W engaged in London streets selling matches, chocolate, toys, papers, etc.; and whether provision could be made to enable such men to carry on under conditions which would protect them from inclement weather by the erection of kiosks and shelters?
§ Captain ERSKINE-BOLSTasked the Home Secretary if he will consider the proposal of providing the ex-service man with the means of permanent employment, even though he may have lost an arm, a leg, or be totally blind, by the provision, say, of a kiosk for the sale of newspapers, magazines, sweets, matches, tobacco, etc., to be set up in the principal streets which kiosks could be constructed by the men themselves while the advertisements of traders painted on them would alone bring in a large revenue to the men; and is he aware that this scheme would restore self-respect to many who are at present drawing unemployment pay and who would infinitely prefer to earn their means of existence, and that such kiosks have been in use in Paris and all the great continental cities for many years past with pronounced success?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANNo figures are available of the number of men employed in the manner mentioned. I am advised that it would require legislation to allow the erection of kiosks in any part of the public highways, and I fear that the proposal would involve many difficulties, including objections from shopkeepers and objections as to obstruction of traffic.