asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the need for additional adult patrols in Ilford for the supervision of school-children on highways in the vicinity of schools; and whether he will take measures to meet the requirements of the Ilford Borough Council in this matter.

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that 11 crossings used by children in Ilford are regularly supervised by police officers and that school crossing patrols are employed at another eight. The representations made by the borough council for the employment of additional police or crossing patrols have been fully considered by the Commissioner of Police, but he has not felt justified in diverting more police or crossing patrols from other points at which their attention is needed at least as much.