§ Lord Brockwayasked Her Majesty's Government:
On whose authority two sellers of a newspaper were arrested on the Friary Estate, Peckham, on 3rd August 1983 and charged with "peddling without a licence" under the Pedlars Act of 1871, and whether Her Majesty's Government support this interference with the accepted right to sell newspapers.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Elton)The case involving the two people referred to in the noble Lord's Question was due to be heard at Tower Bridge Magistrates' Court on 22nd November. But I understand that because one of the defendants was ill they were both remanded on bail to appear on 14th December. While the matter is subjudice it would not be right for me to offer any comment on the case.