HC Deb 03 June 1897 vol 50 cc169-70
MR. BERESFORD MELVILLE (Stockport)

I beg to ask the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a verdict of manslaughter given in the case of a bicyclist who was killed at Stockport by a cart driven at night without lights; and whether he will be prepared to introduce a Bill to enforce the carrying of lights, and prevent similar accidents in the future?

SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEY

My attention has not been called to this case otherwise than by the hon. Member's Question. I am afraid I cannot undertake to introduce a Bill as suggested by him; but a Bill dealing with the subject is already before the House and has obtained a Second Reading, and under the existing law Borough and County Councils have ample powers of dealing with the matter by means of bye-laws, powers which in many cases have been exercised.

*MR. PERCY THORNTON (Clapham)

asked whether it was not the fact that there was no lights bye-law at Stockport, although one existed where the accident occurred, and whether the right hon. Gentleman would not take some measures to enforce uniformity in the carrying of lights?

SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEY

said that had the cart at Stockport carried a light it was very probable the accident would not have happened. He understood his hon. Friend desired general legislation on the subject. The hon. Gentleman's own Bill had been read a Second time and he must leave the House to deal with it.