HC Deb 25 November 1912 vol 44 c794
15. Mr. WALTER REA

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider the desirability of enlarging the reference to the proposed Select Committee on motor omnibuses so as to include, as a secondary matter, the consideration of the question of the damage to roads and to property, and the inconvenience and injury to residents caused by the unrestricted plying of motor omnibuses throughout greater London?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)

As I stated, in reply to similar questions a few days ago, I do not think it would be desirable to extend the reference to the Select Committee in the direction suggested by my hon. Friend, at any rate until the question of safety is disposed of.

16. Mr. WALTER REA

asked the Home Secretary whether, in the opinion of the police authorities, the present type of motor omnibus now plying in suburban and residential roads in Greater London is suitable for the purpose, having in view the meagreness of the traffic, the capacity and the weight of the vehicles, and the consequent injury not only to the roads, but to the property and health of the neighbouring residents; and whether he has power to put a check upon this growing practice by refusing to licence further vehicles of this description except upon the condition that they ply only upon routes for which they are suitable?

Mr. McKENNA

Time will doubtless show that the type of motor omnibus now being licensed in London is capable of improvement, but it is the best at present available and, I believe, greatly superior to previous types. Motor omnibuses which comply with the prescribed conditions are licensed by the Commissioner of Police for the whole of the Metropolitan Police district. He has no authority to licence omnibuses for particular routes only.

27. Mr. ESSEX

asked whether any of the members proposed to be nominated to the Select Committee on Motor Traffic are employed by, or are financially interested in, any of the companies whose operations may be under discussion?

Mr. McKENNA

I have no official knowledge on the matter.