HC Deb 11 May 1905 vol 146 cc50-1
*MR. SLACK

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether, having regard to the fatal accident at Markyate, in Hertfordshire, on 18th April, he will make regulations by virtue of the powers given by the Motor-Car Act, 1903, for the better identification of motor-cars and the better regulation of the speed of motor-cars when passing through towns, villages, and populous places, so as to prevent, as far as possible, the recurrence of similar accidents.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR, Leeds, Central)

I am not aware of any better method of identifying motorcars than that already in force. The Local Government Board have no general power of regulating the speed of motorcars when passing through towns, villages, and other populous places.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the propriety of ordering the increase of the size of the numbers on motor-cars to some such size as is used on fishing boats.

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I have no reason for supposing that the present figures are not easily discernible.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

Is it not the fact that in this very case the number of the motor-car was so small that it was found impossible to see it clearly?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I understand that that was in consequence of the dust which was raised.

*MR. SLACK

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of regulations being made under Section 7 of the Motor-Car Act, 1903, on the lines I have suggested in the Question?

MR. SOARES (Devonshire, Barnstaple)

And will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence to obtain an early discussion of the matter?

[No Answer was returned.]