§ MR. MARKHAM (Nottinghamshire, Mansfield)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Local Government board whether he is aware that motor buses in wet weather are not under the control of their drivers owing to side slips; and whether, under those circumstances, he proposes to withdraw the licences of these vehicles seeing the number of accidents caused therefrom, and the danger arising to the public.
§ *THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. GLADSTONE,) Leeds, W.I beg to answer this Question on behalf of my right hon. friend. I am aware that in certain states of the pavement due control over these vehicles can be exercised only by great care and skill on the part of the drivers on account of the tendency to side slip. Inventions are now being tried which it is hoped may provide a remedy or at any rate reduce the danger. I do not think it would be within the power of the Commissioner to withdraw all motor omnibus licences on the ground suggested. A general prohibition of the use of motor omnibuses would require the authority of Parliament.
§ MR. MARKHAMasked whether no farther licences would be granted until the vehicles could be run under conditions of greater safety.
§ *MR. GLADSTONEsaid the Department was now doing their utmost to secure greater safety. He was not prepared to say anything more at present.