§ MR. BOWERMAN (Deptford)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been drawn to an inquiry held in the Coroner's Court at Mortlake, on the 12th ultimo, into the death of a chauffeur killed in a collision with a motor bus near Barnes Common, the jury adding a rider to their verdict recommending that, in consequence of the increase in the number of accidents caused by motor driving within twelve miles of Charing Cross, the speed of motor vehicles should be reduced; and whether consideration has been given to such recommendation, and, if so, with what result.
§ MR. JOHN BURNSMy right hon. friend has asked me to reply to this Question. My attention has been drawn to the recommendation of the jury in the case mentioned. I am not empowered to make a general reduction in the speed of motor vehicles in any district in the absence of an application from the proper local authority. But if such an application is made to me in respect of any specified limits or place, the matter will receive my consideration.
§ MR. BOWERMANDo these recommendations come before the right hon. Gentleman personally?
§ MR. JOHN BURNSYes, everything of this kind comes under my personal observation.
§ MR. MYER (Lambeth, N.)Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that last Sunday afternoon in Hammersmith a motor was going along at four miles an hour?
§ * MR. SPEAKERThe hon Member had better give notice of that.
§ MR. BOWERMANHas the right hon. Gentleman received many recommendations similar to the one referred to?
§ MR. JOHN BURNSNo, Sir. I can only say that out of twenty-one applications submitted to me I have sanctioned reduction of speed, I think, in eighteen cases.