CRIME IN WHITECHAPEL.
MR. MONTAGU (Tower Hamlets,
Whitechapel): I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department
whether any Report or complaint has been received at the Home Office or
by the Police Authorities respecting an area in Whitechapel intersected
by Flower and Dean Street; whether the police have reported as to the existence
of crime and vice in that locality; and if he will allow that Report to
be made public; and whether any effort has been made by the owner or by
the police to remedy the evils complained of?
MR. MATTHEWS: Yes, Sir; in December
last the vicar of St. Jude's brought under my notice the evil state of
the district referred to. The Commissioner of Police, whom I consulted
on the subject, reported in substance that vice of the lowest type finds
a refuge in parts of Whitechapel. The police do all in their power to keep
violence and vice within bounds, but their duties are confined to the streets;
in fact, extra constables are continuously on duty there on special beats.
It is only by bringing influence to bear on the landlords that a better
class of dwellings can be provided, and so, gradually, a better class of
tenants secured. I regret to say that I am informed by the Commissioner
that no substantial efforts have been made by the owners of the property
in this neighbourhood to effect improvements, the neighbourhood being in
much the same condition as it has been for some years. The lease of some
of the property is running out, and it is to be hoped that at the expiration
changes will be effected and improvements made.
