§ MR. SCOTT-MONTAGU (Hampshire, New Forest)I beg to ask the hon. Member for Chorley, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he ia aware that running trials and foot races are often held on the Mall and in the Park roads; that the speeds attained exceed ten miles an hour, and that horse-drawn carriages habitually exceed ten miles an hour between Marlborough Gate and Birdcage Walk; and, if so, will he say whether the speed limit of ten miles an hour applies to all persons and vehicles or to motor-cars only.
§ LORD BALCARRES (Lancashire, Chorlley)The reply to the first paragraph is in the negative; foot races are not held in the Royal parks except by permission, though occasionally persons may run through the parks. In reply to the second paragraph the First Commissioner is not aware that horse-drawn carriages habitually exceed ten miles an hour; on the contrary, tests which he has caused to be made show the reverse to be the case. The limit of speed to ten miles per hour does not apply to persons who walk or run, or to vehicles other than motor-cars, there being other rules for the regulation of such traffic.
§ MR. SCOTT-MONTAGUWill the noble Lord lay on the Table details of the tests taken as regards horse-drawn vehicles? I have tested them, and have found that they do exceed ten miles an hour.
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI do not think that necessary. No doubt carriages do occasionally exceed ten miles an hour, but we have no reason whatever to suppose the hon. Member is correct when he says they habitually do so.
§ MR. SCOTT-MONTAGUWill notice be taken of the cases in which they do?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOUROf course, if it is to the danger of the public.
§ MR. SOARES (Devonshire, Barnstaple)Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the driver of a horse-drawn vehicle is liable to be imprisoned for two years if he drives to the danger of the public?
§ MR. FLAVINAnd can the right hon. Gentleman name any foot-racer whose speed exceeds ten miles an hour?
§ [No Answer was returned.]