HC Deb 20 April 1920 vol 128 c210
36. Major GLYN

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether there is any power invested in the Metropolitan police to prohibit vehicles, either steam or petrol, that move through the streets causing unnecessary noises that disturb people in their houses and alarm horse traffic?

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

The police enforce the Regulation, which requires a motor car to be provided with an efficient silencer for exhaust gases and the Regulation which forbids the noisy running of the machinery of a stationary vehicle. With these exceptions the police have no power to deal with vehicles which case unnecessary noise.

Major GLYN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that owing to the need of transport a large number of steam vehicles are being used, which cause fright to horses in the streets, and that accidents thus occur?

Mr. SHORTT

I have not had that brought to my notice.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

Is he aware that only yesterday a motor car with an open cut-out passed close by a policeman, who took no notice of it whatever? I was there myself and saw it.

Mr. SHORTT

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will let me know the circumstances, I will inquire.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

At what particular stage of intensity does a noise become "unnecessary"?

Mr. SHORTT

That is a matter of individual taste.