§ MR. CATHCART WASON (Orkney and Shetland)To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to a case in which, on a speed trial, a Napier motor ear was driven at speeds from 5 to 80 miles an hour on the public highways; 1600 and whether, in the interests of public safety, he will take steps to prevent these abuses.
(Answered by Mr. John Burns.) My hon. friend has sent me a newspaper extract relating to this matter. I would point out that if proceedings had been taken against the driver of the car he would have been liable on conviction to considerable penalties, but it is not possible to secure that proceedings shill always be taken where offences under the Act are committed.
MR. CATHCART WASONTo ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware of the rate of increase in the number of fatalities caused by cars and omnibuses in the Metropolis; and whether, since most of the accidents are caused by excessive speed, he will favourably consider the reduction of the maximum speed of all vehicles to 12 miles an hour.
(Answered by Mr. John. Burns.) I am aware that there has been sonic increase in the number of fatal accidents caused by motor cars and motor omnibuses, but the increase does not seem considerable, regard being had to the growth of the number of these vehicles. I doubt whether it would be practicable to adopt the suggestion in the last part of the Question.