HC Deb 13 November 1917 vol 99 c216
56. Mr. MILLAR

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the use of a. motor-car for station or business purposes will make the owner liable to prosecution where a taxi-cab or a horse carriage can be hired for the journey?

Mr. WARDLE

Under the provisions of Motor Spirit Restriction Order No. 2, 1917, the owner of a motor-ear who uses, it for station or business purposes might be liable to prosecution if a taxi-cab or other vehicle licensed to ply for hire were reasonably available for the journey.

Mr. MILLAR

May I ask whether the Order makes it quite clear that he will be liable, unless he can show he was, bound to use his own car if he could not get another conveyance?

Mr. WARDLE

That is a matter of interpretation, and those who use motorcars must take the risks.

Mr. PRINGLE

Except Ministers.

Mr. HOUSTON

But if the motor-car being used consumes less petrol than the taxi-cab, would not that be in the interests of economy?

Mr. WARDLE

That is a matter for the Court.

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