§ GENERAL LAURIE (Pembroke and Haverfordwest)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the case heard at Marlborough Street Police Court on the 16th instant when a motor-car driver was convicted of driving furiously in Hyde Park, and to the comments of the magistrate when passing sentence upon the grossness of this case and the inadequacy of the fine of £5 that he was empowered by law to pass; and whether, in view of infractions of the law by motor-car drivers, and the consequent danger to the public, he will obtain legislation to enable magistrates to inflict adequate penalties for this particular offence pending the introduction of the Bill for the general regulation of motor-cars.
§ *THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. AKERS DOUGLAS,) Kent, St. Augustine'sI have seen newspaper reports of the case referred to. I think that the question of increased penalties is one which must be considered in connection with any Bill for the regulation of motor-cars.
§ GENERAL LAURIEHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the report in The Times, which shows that the remarks of the magistrate were far more severe than they appear in the Question?
§ *MR. AKERS DOUGLASI have not, Sir.