– in the House of Commons am ar 29 Mehefin 1939.
asked the Home Secretary what powers he has devolved on local authorities to ban, under penalty, the advertising or disseminating of news and propaganda on footpaths, roadways and street walls; how many local authorities have made such by-laws; and with what general result?
The position is not that the Home Secretary has any powers which he can devolve on local authorities, but that local authorities under their power to make by-laws for good rule and government can make by-laws relating to the defacing of pavements or roadways or walls. Such by-laws have been made by many local authorities, and I will send my hon. Friend particulars. In districts where such by-laws are in force the police, so far as I am aware, take all practicable steps to enforce their provisions.
Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the defacing of walls and footpaths, sometimes with real paint, is a common practice adopted by an organisation interested in foreign propaganda, and will he inquire from the Commissioner of Police whether the police are taking energetic steps to stop this objectionable practice?
I will certainly make that inquiry.
Do local authorities require any special powers to enable them to introduce by-laws?
No, Sir; it is open to any local authority to apply to the Home Office for approval of the appropriate by-laws.
Is it not the fact that the regulations are not efficient and that they want strengthening, and will my hon. Friend consider that point?