§ On the Motion for the adjournment of the House.
§ MR. ROWLANDS (Kent, Dartford)asked the President of the Local Government beard whether he had any information as to the accident to a Vanguard motor-omnibus near Crawley, whether an official inquiry would be held, and whether the Department would be represented at the inquest.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD) (Mr. JOHN BURNS,) Batterseasaid he had seen with great regret an account in the evening papers of this calamity. The House, he was sure, would be profoundly sorry to know that ten people had been killed and twenty-four injured by this regrettable accident. The Local Government beard were only concerned with the making of regulations as to the use and construction of motorcars, and one of these regulations required that a motor-car should have two independent brakes in good working order and of such efficiency that the application of either would cause two of the wheels to be so held that they were effectually prevented from revolving. He would keep himself informed of the evidence at the inquest and see that the departments concerned were represented thereat. On behalf of the House he offered his condolences with the relatives of the victims.
§ SIR E. CARSON (Dublin University)asked whether the Local Government beard had power to inspect these omnibuses.
§ MR. JOHN BURNSsaid that the duty of inspection devolved on two or three different authorities.
§ MR. CLAUDE HAY (Shoreditch, Hoxton)asked whether the right hon. Gentleman would be prepared to introduce legislation for the better control I of these vehicles.
§ MR. JOHN BURNSsaid that the Report of the Motor Cars Commission would be in the hands of Members very soon; and if it were possible by administrative or legislative action to take precautions against the recurrence of such accidents, he hoped the House would give such action its support.
§ Adjourned at eight minutes after Eleven o'clock.