§ MR. CATHCART WASON (Orkney and Shetland)I beg to ask the Prime Minister if he is aware of the feeling of dissatisfaction that prevails in the country owing to the action of a section of the community habitually and determinedly disregarding the speed-limit imposed by the Motor Car Act, 1903, and especially the abuse and offensive terms applied to police and magistrates for trying to enforce the said limitation; and if, in view of the necessity of the matter and also the difficulties connected with legislation, he would appoint a Committee of the House, representing impartially the different views held on the subject, to suggest legislation that might be passed by consent.
§ MR. JOHN BURNSThe Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this Question. I am aware of the feeling on the subject to which it relates. I am afraid that my hon. friend is too sanguine in thinking that the various interests concerned would agree to legislative proposals in connection with this matter, and hence it does not seem to me that there would be likely to be advantage in the appointment of a Committee as suggested. My hon. friend is perhaps aware that I have recently issued a circular to local authorities drawing attention to the existing law and pressing upon them the importance of its enforcement. I am also in consultation with my right hon. friend the Home Secretary with regard to the feasibility of further action.
§ MR. MARKHAM (Nottinghamshire, Mansfield)Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the regulations issued by his Department are habitually and daily broken in every street in London?
§ MR. JOHN BURNSIf that be so, the responsibility rests with the local authority. The London County Council would be doing its duty by making representations to me on this matter, when the Home Secretary and I would do all we could to act most promptly and effectually in limiting speed or doing anything reasonable to protect life and property.
§ MR. MARKHAMThe County Council has nothing whatever to do with these Regulations; they are in the hands of the Home Secretary.
§ MR. JOHN BURNSIn that case I urge my hon. friend to address the Question to the Home Secretary.
§ MR. MARKHAMIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that whenever a Question is addressed to the Home Secretary he refers me to the President of the Local Government Board?
§ MR. JOHN BURNSOn behalf of myself and my right hon. friend I shall be pleased to answer any Question of which notice has been given. We have 1363 no desire to evade criticism or to burke discussion.