§ Sir W. Waylandasked the Home Secretary why applications by local seaside authorities in defence areas for use of part of their beach for bathing must go through the police to the regional commissioner and must not be sent direct by the authority to the commissioner?
§ Mr. MabaneThere is no objection to local authorities making application of the character suggested direct to the regional commissioner and some of them have done so, but it is more convenient for all concerned for the local authorities to consult the chief officer of police first.
§ Mr. T. Smithasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a young lady, lodging and working in Hull, but whose home is with her parents in Withernsea, where she has been in the habit of going for week-ends, has been refused admission to the area; whether this decision is in conformity with the general instructions; and whether any steps can be taken to ensure that these instructions are explicit and uniformly administered?
§ Mr. MabaneThis case has not previously been brought to my notice. No complaint has been made to the police, and the case cannot therefore be identified. I should be glad if my hon. Friend would provide me with details and inform me by whom the young lady was refused admission to this defence area. Any such refusal would be contrary to the instructions issued to the police and military who, I am informed, are both administering these instructions reasonably and sympathetically.