HC Deb 04 August 1909 vol 8 cc1841-2
Mr. BELLOC

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the compromise between the London County Council and Mr. Imre Kiralfy, whereby the summons against the latter was struck out at the West London Police Court on the 29th of last month; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure the proper inspection of mechanical amusements in the exhibition at Shepherd's Bush?

Mr. GLADSTONE

I understand that the summons against Mr. Kiralfy was withdrawn simply because it transpired that the responsibility did not rest on him, but on the Company called "Exhibitions, Limited." Summonses were also taken out against "Exhibitions, Limited," on the ground that certain conditions, subject to which the county council had approved the plans of the Scenic Railway, had not been carried out. These, too, have been withdrawn because the requirements of the council have now been fully complied with, and the council's costs have been paid. I see no reason to think that any further steps are required.

Mr. MOONEY

May I ask whether we are to understand that Amusements, Limited, did run amusements in the exhibition without getting a licence from the London County Council, and whether the right hon. Gentleman has received any explanation from the county council why they departed in this case from the usual practice in regard to exhibitions?

Mr. GLADSTONE

I think I stated quite clearly in my answer that this matter does not come within my own responsibility, but I understand that certain conditions which are imposed by the county council had not been carried out by the exhibition authorities in connection with this railway. Subsequently the county council satisfied themselves that the conditions had been fulfilled.

Mr. MOONEY

Under the county council by-laws amusements of this kind have to be licensed as safe before they can be used. In the case of this exhibition they were used without being licensed, and it was not until an accident occurred that the county council thought it necessary to make inquiry.

Mr. GLADSTONE

I shall have to make inquiry in order to give a correct answer to the hon. Gentleman.

Sir GILBERT PARKER

Is it the rule for a periodical examination of these mechanical appliances to be made by the inspector of the county council?

Mr. GLADSTONE

I am afraid I must ask notice of the question.