§ MR. LAMBERTI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will issue a Circular pointing out to the magistrates that a fine to the owner of a motor-car is but a trifling deterrent, and suggesting that even for first offences reckless driving:should be punished by imprisonment.
§ MR. AKERS-DOUGLASI do not think that Section 11 of the Act of 1903 contemplates imprisonment for a first offence, though its language may be slightly ambiguous; but in any event I do not think it would be right to attempt to prescribe to magistrates how they should exercise a discretion which Parliament has entrusted to them. I have no reason to doubt that they are fully alive to the necessity of enforcing the law.
§ MR. LAMBERTWill the right hon. Gentleman consider an amendment of the law to clear up the ambiguity of the Act?
§ MR. AKERS-DOUGLASThe Act is a temporary one. I am always obtaining information which will be useful when.any extension of the Act is required.
§ MR. SCOTT-MONTAGUAre there; not very severe penalties which can be enforced?
§ MR. AKERS-DOUGLASIf notice is given of any Question I will endeavour to obtain the information asked for.