§ 16. Viscount CURZONasked the Minister of Transport whether any regulations exist with reference to heavy public-service vehicles or heavy vehicles adapted to carry passengers which limit their size, the number and disposition of passengers which may be carried, the amount of overhang over the rear axle, the width of the tyres in relation to the total weight fully loaded, the efficiency of the brakes and steering gear, in the interest of public safety and the safety of the passengers; and, if not, and in view of the enormous increase in the number of such vehicles and of the urgency of the problem, will he consider issuing emergency regulations until such time as a properly considered legislation can be passed?
§ Sir E. GEDDESThe only general Regulations on the matters referred to are those contained in the Motor Car (Use and Construction) Order, 1904, and the Heavy Motor Car Order, 1904, to which I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend. With regard to such of these 9 vehicles as require to be licensed to ply for hire, the licensing authorities can impose such reasonable conditions on the grant of a licence as they may think desirable in the general interests of safety.
§ Viscount CURZONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these vehicles have largely grown in size since the period mentioned, and that the Order to which he refers never contemplated vehicles of such size using the roads, and can he not give an assurance that the matter is really receiving urgent attention?
§ Sir E. GEDDESI think my hon. and gallant Friend will remember that I have stated on several occasions that this is being considered, but that legislation is necessary.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that his Department will not unnecessarily hamper motor chars-a-banes, against which a lot of prejudice is being aroused by selfish interests?
§ Viscount CURZONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that danger is caused by the great overhang of these vehicles?
§ Major MOLSONIs he aware that in Sussex many of the lanes are very narrow, that a great deal of danger is caused by these chars-a-banes, and that there have been very bad accidents?
Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these chars-a-banes are very hard on the county rates, and will he also tax them?
§ Sir E. GEDDESI am aware of all these things. I do not take up an attitude either for or against the chars-a-banes until the matter has been fully investigated, but I think it would be a great calamity if we had to do anything to prevent the economic use of the char-a-bane.