HC Deb 30 April 1908 vol 187 cc1399-400
SIR HENRY CRAIK (Glasgow and Aberdeen University)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what is the total number of motor omnibuses now running in London, and what is the number of the staff employed in their inspection; and whether the ordinary police constables are charged with any duty of observing and reporting cases of serious nuisance caused by these omnibuses through smell, smoke, or undue vibration due to defective machinery?

MR. HERBERT SAMUEL

There were on the 27th instant 1,137 licensed motor omnibuses. The public carriage inspecting staff consists of 37 officers, whose duty includes the supervision of motor omnibuses. Police on ordinary duty report cases of defective omnibuses coming to their notice.

SIR HENRY CRAIK

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the ordinary policeman disclaims any such duty as part of his ordinary duties?

MR. HERBERT SAMUEL

I am not aware of that.