Motor Omnibus Traffic (Metropolis). (Hansard, 6 November 1912)

§ 55. Mr. KELLAWAY
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of the motor omnibuses at present licensed in London are owned by the London General Omnibus Company, by companies having a working alliance with that company, and by independent companies, respectively?

§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)
Between the 1st November, 1911, and the 31st October, 1912, 2,598 licences were issued for motor omnibuses. Of this number 2,240 were issued to the London General Omnibus Company. I have no knowledge of the alliances, if any, which may have been entered into by the various companies. Although these figures represent the number of licences issued it does not necessarily follow that all the omnibuses are at work.

§ Mr. KELLAWAY
Has the right hon. Gentleman decided to appoint a Select Committee to inquire into the whole question?

§ Mr. McKENNA
Yes.

§ 56. Mr. WATT
asked the Home Secretary whether he will, in appointing a Commission to inquire into the speed of motor omnibuses, also deal with the question of the number of deaths and accidents in large cities from the speed of tramcars and motor ears?

§ Mr. McKENNA
The primary object of an inquiry would be to consider the accidents caused by motor omnibuses, but it would probably be necessary to consider at the same time accidents caused by other kinds of traffic. I doubt if it would be desirable to extend the inquiry beyond London.

§ Mr. WATT
May Scotchmen be killed with impunity?

§ 58. Sir WILLIAM BYLES
asked the Home Secretary what is the rule of the road which makes it necessary for a motor of other vehicle to pass a standing tramcar on the near side; and, seeing the frequency of accidents resulting from this practice, will he see his way to alter the regulation?

§ Mr. McKENNA
There is no statutory rule, but the recognised rule is to pass a tramcar on the near side. This is usually necessary in order to avoid the danger and obstruction which would be caused by crossing to the off side.

§ Sir W. BYLES
Is there not a still greater danger, and if the regulation is not a law of the Medes and Persians cannot it be altered in the interests of human life?

§ Mr. McKENNA
I can only refer the hon. Gentleman to the various cases in the Courts in which this very interesting point has been largely discussed.

§ Mr. BOOTH
Does that regulation prevail upon the Embankment?

§ Mr. McKENNA
No, the Embankment is under a special rule. It is under the London County Council.