§ 66. Mr. ATKEYasked the Home Secretary how many prosecutions have taken place in Staffordshire in respect of alleged offences by motor manufacturers and dealers against the registration Regulations affecting general identification marks, and how many of the same have been dismissed; and whether the activity of the Staffordshire police in this respect arises from the instructions of his Department?
§ Mr. SHORTTI am informed by the Chief Constable that 104 prosecutions have been ordered (83 by the county council as registration authority and 21 by the Chief Constable). Fourteen have been dismissed. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. ATKEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these prosecutions have been mainly directed against responsible firms, and why is this cumbrous method adopted to enforce Regulations of this kind?
§ Mr. SHORTTI understand that all those who have been prosecuted have 611 broken the law, and that is the reason why they were proceeded against.
§ Mr. ATKEYAre we to understand that this system which is being adopted in Staffordshire is going to be carried out throughout the country?
§ Viscount CURZONWhy is it necessary to take such action in the case of Staffordshire and no other county?
§ Mr. SHORTTI must ask for notice of that question.
§ Viscount CURZONI asked you that the other day.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that representations have been made on this matter to the Ministry of Transport, and has he received notice of those representations; or would he be prepared to receive a deputation himself on the matter?
§ Mr. SHORTTI do not know about the Ministry of Transport, but if anyone wishes to see me I shall be pleased to see them.
§ Mr. ATKEYDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that every one of these prosecutions costs these firms something like and is that reasonable in view of the fact that a man can jump on his wife for £1?