§ DR. FARQUHARSON (Aberdeenshire, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that motor cars in and around London frequently travel at rates of speed in excess of that allowed by 375 regulation; and whether he will instruct the police to put the law strictly into operation against such offenders; and whether he will also order every motor car to be distinctly numbered so as to secure prompt and effective identification.
§ * MR. RITCHIEStrict orders have been given to the police in respect to the infringement of the law by motor-cars, and prosecution will follow in all cases where possible; but doubtless the hon. Member is aware of the very great difficulty that exists in estimating correctly—or even approximately—the pace at which a motor-car is travelling. As regards the numbering of the cars the matter is one in which I have no authority to make any order.
§ DR. FARQUHARSONCan the right hon. Gentleman say under whose jurisdiction this particular question of the numbering is placed?
§ * MR. RITCHIEIf any one has any power in the matter it would be the President of the Local Government Board, but I doubt very much whether, under the existing legislation, he has any power.