MR. CATHCART WASONTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that, by the Order of the Local Government Board, motors weighing up to twelve tons are permitted to travel at the rate of twelve miles an hour; and if he will make inquiry as to the damage that such cars will inflict upon the streets, bridges, sewers, mains, and pipes of London.
(Answered by Mr. Gerald Balfour.) The information before me shows that heavy motor-cars weighing up to twelve tons will have the axle weight of one axle in excess 1116 of six tons. Under the Order such cars are restricted to a maximum speed of eight miles an hour if fitted with pneumatic or soft or elastic tyres, and of five miles an hour if fitted with other kinds of tyres. I am not at present aware of any need for making the inquiry suggested.