§ MR. CATHCART WASON (Orkney and Shetland)To ask the President of the Local Government Board if he will, in the interests of the public safety, withdraw the circular letter from the Local Government Board of November 20th to all the local authorities, limiting the discretion of public bodies with reference to the speed of motor-cars.
(Answered by Mr. Gerald Balfour.) At present it does not appear to me to be necessary to withdraw the circular referred to. I may point out that the circular does not limit the discretion of local authorities. All it does is to indicate that in the opinion of the Local Government Board speed limits under Sections 8 and 9 of The Motor-Car Act, 1903, should not be readily imposed until it is found that the provisions of the Act which render liable to severe penalties motorists who drive recklessly or negligently or at a speed or in a manner dangerous to the public are insufficient and require to be reinforced by action under those sections.