HC Deb 23 February 1905 vol 141 cc1101-2
COLONEL LOCKWOOD (Essex, Epping)

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board what steps he took before issuing the Heavy Motor-Car Regulations to ascertain whether the safety of the travelling public was adequately protected thereunder.

MR. WALTER LONG

I appointed a Departmental Committee, of which my right hon. friend the Member for East Somersetshire was good enough to act as Chairman, to inquire and report with regard to any regulations which should be made on this subject. The Committee took evidence from persons representing a variety of interests, and the regulations which I have now issued are founded on the Report and recommendations of the Committee.

COLONEL LOCKWOOD

May I ask if the Board of Trade concur in the view that the safety of the travelling public is adequately protected?

MR. WALTER LONG

I am not quite sure what my hon. friend means by the travelling public. Is it people travelling by motor-cars or those on railways?

COLONEL LOCKWOOD

Both.

MR. WALTER LONG

As, far as travellers by motor-cars are concerned the Board of Trade have nothing on earth to do with them, and as to railway travellers their only concern is as to possible danger in crossing bridges over-railways. I have communicated with the Board of Trade on that subject.