§ 32. Visount CURZONasked the Home Secretary how many controls in the Metropolitan Police area were instituted for the detection of infringement of the speed limit between a.m. on the 4th December and p.m. on the 6th December, 1920; how many police officers were employed and with what success; how many controls were instituted for the detection of dangerous driving, how many officers were employed, and with what results during the same period; and how many cases of dangerous driving were reported by the police on ordinary or point duty during the same period?
§ Sir J. BAIRDDuring the week-end a.m. 4th December to p.m. 6th December, no controls were operated to detect cases of excessive speed in the Metropolitan Police District. One control was in operation to detect cases of dangerous driving, etc., two officers being employed, but no cases of this nature were reported. No cases of dangerous driving were reported by police on "ordinary" duty, but three such cases were detected by police on point duty.
§ Mr. BILLINGIn future will the hon. Member give instructions to the police that traps shall only be placed in dangerous parts of the road, and not in open stretches where no one could possibly be hurt at 25 miles an hour?
§ Sir J. BAIRDThe police are exercising their discretion with a view to diminishing accidents. That is the object in view.
§ Mr. BILLINGIs it not a fact that the police are sent out by local councils in 1898 order to raise revenue? It is purely for that purpose that traps are put up.
§ Sir J. BAIRDThat is a different question. Perhaps the hon. Member will put a question on the Paper?