§ Mr. KELLAWAYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the London motor omnibus combine killed twelve persons during the first twelve days of this month; and whether he is now able to say what action, if any, he proposes to take against the directors of this combine?
§ Mr. McKENNAI am informed that nine deaths were caused by motor omnibuses during the first twelve days of this month. Each case will be the subject of a coroner's inquest, and in the event of negligence being proved criminal proceedings would be taken against the person guilty of negligence.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that some further inquiry, other than that of a coroner's inquest, is necessary?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, I think all the circumstances ought to be brought out at the coroner's inquest.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYIs it not a fact that at a great number of these inquiries; where the person killed was a poor person, that the dependents are not able to be represented by counsel, whereas the motor bus company always have expensive counsel present?
§ Mr. McKENNABut the coroner is there as an official to protect the public.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think that one party is handicapped when the other party is represented by counsel?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir, at the coroner's inquest I am sure that the circumstances are fully investigated for the protection of the public and the individual.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODCannot some efforts be made by local authorities to widen these dangerously narrow thoroughfares?
§ Mr. McKENNAThat does not arise out of the question.
§ Sir A. MARKHAMWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that the law is obeyed, and that heavy motor vehicles shall not proceed at a greater speed than twelve miles an hour?
§ Mr. McKENNAThere is another question on the Paper on that point.