§ Sir J. HOODasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Chief Commissioner of Police on Wednesday last prohibited the sale of roses for Queen Alexandra's Hospital Fund over an area of 800 acres, containing a population of 12,000, in the borough of Wimbledon, presumably on the ground that the tennis tournament was being held the same day, which prohibition was subsequently relaxed to prevent sales after noon; whether he is aware that such prohibition seriously affected the sales for the. Fund; what is the reason for such prohibition; whether be approves of it; and whether he will give directions that in the future no such prohibition shall be issued?
Mr. HENDERSONThe Commissioner informs me that the very large volume of traffic resulting from the Wimbledon tennis meeting made it necessary for him to exercise his powers under paragraph 4 of the Regulations made by the Secretary of State under the Police, Etc. (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1916, and to forbid this and other collections taking place in certain roads, mainly residential in character, during the meeting. It is the fact that upon a representation by the Mayor of Wimbledon, the original restriction was modified so as to allow this collection to take place up till noon except in one specially-congested road. It seems to me only right that the Commissioner should have power to limit the places where street collectors may operate in order to prevent congestion of traffic.