HC Deb 03 July 1906 vol 159 cc1623-5
MR. CHIOZZA MONEY (Paddington, N.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been directed to the death of Mr. William Tongue and the injury of the Reverend Alfred Littlehales through a collision between two motor omnibuses in the Edgware Road on Wednesday, June 20th; if he is aware that these vehicles are constantly causing injury to the persons and property of the public; and if he can see his way to revise all existing licences in respect of these vehicles to insure that they are properly constructed and driven by competent and experienced men, who are not paid by the journey.

two consignments of spirits described as brandy were seized under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887, for having a false trade description applied. The quantity of brandy imported into the United Kingdom from Norway, Holland, and Denmark during the last ten years was as follows:—

* THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. GLADSTONE, Leeds, W.)

My attention has been called to the unfortunate occurrence referred to. The verdict at the inquest on Mr. Tongue was"accidental death." Every precaution within the powers of the police is taken to secure that motor omnibuses are properly constructed and that they are driven by competent men. In the event of a motor 'bus becoming unfit for use, or of an offence being committed by the driver, the licences come under consideration, and I see no reason for a general revision, even if it were within my power to require it. The police have no authority to prescribe the terms of employment of the drivers.

MR. MYER (Lambeth, N.)

Is the-right hon. Gentleman aware that there are four or five competing companies on that road, who are always"nursing" and racing, and will he instruct" the police to put a stop to it?

* MR. GLADSTONE

The police have general instructions as to this.

MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)

asked if the Home Secretary was aware that the danger from this traffic was on the increase.

* MR. GLADSTONE

replied that no doubt every Member of the House had observed the undue speed of these cars, but the question was under the consideration of the Select Committee and the Royal Commission, and until these two bodies reported they would not have full information on the subject.

MR. FLYNN

Can the Home Office do nothing until a Cabinet Minister has been killed?

* MR. GLADSTONE

I am not sure we can do anything even then.