§ SIR HENRY CRAIK (Glasgow and Aberdeen Universities)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether there is an authority which can restrict the use by motor omnibuses of narrow thoroughfares, where a maximum of danger and of vibration to neighbouring buildings is caused, instead of wider alternative routes, and whether there is any periodically recurring inspection of these vehicles, so as to detect the increased vibration caused by the inferior and rapidly deteriorating machinery used by certain companies.
§ MR. GLADSTONEThe Answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. As regards the second, every motor omnibus is inspected at least once a year when it comes up for its annual licence. Besides undergoing this annual inspection, motor omnibuses are often reported and ordered off the streets for noise and vibration. Each such order entails fresh inspection before the vehicle is permitted to use the streets again. It must be remembered, however, that 317 noise and vibration are often largely due to uneven road surfaces.
§ SIR HENRY CRAIKBut have the public no security whatsoever against the cupidity of rival companies in choosing routes entirely without regard to public convenience?
§ MR. GLADSTONENo, Sir. The law does not authorise the police to regulate the traffic in that way.