§ 28. Viscount CURZONasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to a very serious accident to a public service motor vehicle in Knightsbridge recently, apparently due to the failure of the steering gear, which resulted in several casualties; whether he can state what steps, if any, are taken to ensure that public service vehicles in the Metropolitan Police area are kept in an efficient condition; whether the police have any power to compel the withdrawal of any vehicle which is observed to be plying for hire in an unsafe condition; and whether any penalty can be inflicted upon those responsible?
§ Mr. SHORTTAs far as information goes at present there is no evidence to show that the collision was due to the failure of the steering gear. The inspecting staff are engaged daily in inspecting public carriages at garages and in the streets with a view to their being kept in an efficient condition. During the year ended 31st December last 18,489 reports of unfitness (some of which were of minor importance) were dealt with. When a vehicle, upon inspection, is found to be in a condition unsafe for public use, steps 1155 are taken for its immediate withdrawal from the streets. Under the London Hackney Carriage Act, 1853, Section 17 (3), the driver of a public carriage who plies for hire with any carriage which is at the time unfit for public use is liable to a penalty of 40s.
§ Viscount CURZONAre we to understand from that answer that if the inspectors observe an unsafe vehicle in the street they can withdraw it?
§ Mr. SHORTTYes, that is so.