§ 71. Mr. FELLasked the Home Secretary if he can state the Regulations in force regarding the use of dazzling head-lights by motor cars in France and Germany; and if such lights have to be obscured when such cars enter the precincts of any town or village?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Herbert Lewis)My right hon. 1775 Friend the President of the Local Government Board is sending the hon. Member a statement of such information as he has on the subject.
§ Lord ROBERT CECILWill the information be printed in the Votes and Proceedings of the House?
§ Mr. HERBERT LEWISI will convey that desire to my right hon. Friend.
§ 72. Mr. FELLasked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the fact that dazzling head-lights of a dangerous character are still used by some motor cars in the Metropolitan area; and why such head-lights are held to be dangerous in the case of taxi-cabs and motor omnibuses and not dangerous in the case of private motor cars of probably much greater power and speed?
§ Mr. McKENNAI would refer the hon. Member to the answers which I gave on the 24th March and the 23rd April, which fully explained the position of the Commissioner of Police in this matter.
§ Mr. FELLHas the right hon. Gentleman ascertained through the Law Officers whether a case does not lie for driving to the danger of the public with one of these dazzling lights?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt depends upon the circumstances. If there were danger to the public an action would lie, but it is a question of fact whether there is danger to the public or not?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt would depend upon the strength of the light. I am quite unable to say that the use of the lights must necessarily constitute a danger to the public.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean to say that he must wait until there has been an accident?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir; it is a question of fact.
§ Captain MURRAYWill the right hon. Gentleman consider whether a test case could not be brought?
§ Mr. McKENNAI will consider the point.