HC Deb 08 July 1914 vol 64 cc1078-9
25. Mr. BURGOYNE

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the case of Charles Thorly, of Farnham Royal, Surrey, who was convicted on 14th May for driving a motor to the danger of the public and fined £1 whether he is aware that the magistrates unanimously agreed he was driving carefully; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter?

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

I received representations on behalf of Thorby in May last from the solicitor who defended him, but after consideration of all the circumstances of the case, I found no sufficient grounds to justify me in advising any interference. I am informed by the magistrates that their opinion as to Thorby's having driven carefully had reference to the pace of the car before he approached the bridge; and it was in no way inconsistent with their decision that he was afterwards guilty of driving in a manner dangerous to the public. I regret I can find no ground for reconsidering the decision at which I previously arrived.

Mr. BURGOYNE

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider it possible to drive a motor car carefully and dangerously?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes; it is quite possible to drive a motor car carefully at one moment and dangerously at another.

Mr. CHIOZZA MONEY

Will my right hon. Friend make representations as to the lowness of the penalty?

Mr. McKENNA

I cannot interfere with the magistrates' discretion on that point, although I am rather of the opinion of my hon. Friend that they might, perhaps, have taken a more serious view of the case.

Mr. ROBERT HARCOURT

In view of the large number of complaints, has the right hon. Gentleman any intention of introducing legislation to amend the Motor Car Act?

Mr. McKENNA

Questions of that kind should be addressed to the Prime Minister.