HC Deb 10 March 1903 vol 119 cc262-3
MR. C. E. SCHWANN (Manchester, N.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the accident which happened a fortnight ago to a hansom cab-driver and a gentleman inside the vehicle, at the top of Prince's Gate, caused by a traction engine and train of wagons; and whether, in view of other similar accidents, ho can take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to protect the public from danger arising from such traction engines in open street and daylight.

*THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. AKERS DOUGLAS, Kent, St. Augustine's)

I believe several accidents have been caused by the traction engine referred to in the question, but I fear I have no power to interfere in the matter.

The regulation of the use of traction engines appeals to be a matter for the County Council in the first instance under the Locomotives Act of 1898. It may be a question for the Royal Commission whether the provisions of this Act are sufficient.

MR. C. E. SCHWANN

But are not the regulations made by the Local Government Board?

*MR. AKERS DOUGLAS

The County Council make by-laws subject to the approval of the Local Government Board.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

Have not the police power to prevent anything moving on the road to the common danger?

*MR. AKERS DOUGLAS

I am not aware that the police could have taken any action, as I have no information that the traction engine was infringing the law as to speed or otherwise.

In reply to a further question by Mr. SCHWANN,

*MR. AKERS DOUGLAS said

The matter is not in my jurisdiction. I have gone further than I should have done out of courtesy to the hon. Member.