§ 71. Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to eight motor omnibus drivers being fined at the Stratford Police Court for excessive speed driving; if he is aware that the bench were of opinion that the company should provide their men with some means of knowing the pace at which they were driving, and that they also suggested the desirability of having speedometers fitted; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?
§ Mr. McKENNAMy attention was not drawn specially to these particular cases or to the remarks of the magistrates, but I stated recently that a large number of motor omnibus drivers have been prosecuted this year by the police for exceeding the speed limit and other offences connected with driving. As regards speedometers, my right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board said, in answer to a question earlier in the Session, that he did not find that a sufficiently reliable instrument had been devised to justify his making the use of it compulsory on motor vehicles generally. In the case of motor omnibuses there are special difficulties in the way of this proposal which prevent its adoption.
Captain CRAIGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that if he was to forbid the use of hooters on these omnibuses that would materially reduce the speed of driving through London?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, Sir, but I am afraid it would have another effect as well —increase of accidents.
§ Mr. SOAMESCould not these omnibuses be so geared that, they could not exceed a certain speed?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, that also has been considered, but it has not been found practicable so far.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that any good is likely to arise by merely prosecuting the drivers? Does he not think that what is really wanted is some drastic step taken against the directors of the company?
§ Sir H. CARLILEIs it not the case that in the opinion of the police the majority of accidents in connection with omnibuses arise when the speed is less than ten miles an hour?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir, I am not prepared to say that. Certainly it is true that the majority of accidents appear to occur when the omnibuses are not going exceptionally fast, but I should be sorry to limit myself to the exact statement made by the hon. Member opposite. With regard to the hon. Member for Bedford, I understand him to suggest that the directors of the company should be proceeded against for an offence which is not an offence against the law.
§ Mr. McKENNAThat means legislation.
§ 74. Mr. ROBERT HARCOURTasked in what respects the powers of the police for regulating motor omnibus traffic are deficient; whether he intends to ask for further powers; and, if so, what legislation is required?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt would not be convenient to make a statement on this subject within the limits of a reply to a question. If I come to the conclusion that the police ought to be entrusted with greater powers, I shall not hesitate to ask Parliament to grant them as soon as time can be found.
§ Mr. R. HARCOURTWould the right hon. Gentleman not think it advisable to appoint a Select Committee?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir. I will, of course, consider the suggestion of my hon. Friend, but I would remind him that a Select Committee usually takes a certain amount of time.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYAs the right hon. Gentleman has already consulted with representatives of the omnibus companies, will he now consult with the local authorities, who have to maintain the roads within their districts?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, we are in constant communication with the local authorities.