§ MR. ALEXANDER CROSSI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been drawn to the increase of public discomfort due to the nuisance of the thick offensive smoke sometimes discharged from the exhaust-pipe of motorcars; whether he has made inquiries as to the possibility of preventing this; and, if so, whether he will now cause special investigation to be made with a view to a regulation that the discharge of this offensive smoke shall be in the front of the car, so that the driver on the driving seat, or the owner inside, may see it and take the means necessary to obviate or prevent it.
§ MR. GLADSTONEAs I stated in reply to a Question earlier in the year, I do not think this nuisance is on the increase in London. I have no power to take any action except in respect of motor-cabs and motor-omnibuses, and the police report to me that in their case, at any rate, the smoke nuisance has undoubtedly decreased. Improvements in design have tended towards this result. I shall always be ready to consider any practicable proposals for diminishing the nuisance; but I am 77 advised that the suggestion made by the hon. Member is impracticable.
§ MR. ALEXANDER CROSSSeeing that steps have been taken so far as public vehicles are concerned, will the right hon. Gentleman see that similar action is applied to private cars?
§ MR. GLADSTONEsaid the same action should apply to both classes. He was in communication with the President of the Local Government Board on the subject.