HC Deb 06 August 1924 vol 176 cc2913-4
Viscount CURZON by Private Notice

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the very serious motor-coach accident at Blockley, whereby seven women and children have been killed, and nine so seriously injured that comparatively little hope is entertained for their recovery; whether his attention has also been called to another motor-coach accident on Abbotsbury Hill, near Weymouth, whereby 15 casualties have been caused, two of a very serious character, out of the 24 occupants of the vehicle; whether he is aware that both these cases were apparently due to failure of the brakes; whether the Ministry of Transport will hold an inquiry into both these cases with special reference to the adequacy and efficiency of the braking systems and the competency of the drivers and state of the road surface in each case, and whether steps will be taken to publish the result of such inquiry?

Mr. W. THORNE

Before the hon. Gentleman answers, may I ask whether he has seen a report in the papers to the effect that, so far as one of the accidents was concerned, the driver said he could not throttle his engine?

Mr. GOSLING

All reports that reach me of serious accidents on highways are referred to the Divisional Road Engineers of my Department for informal investigation, but I am not yet in a position to state the causes of the particular accidents to which the Noble Lord refers. I am unfortunately not at present empowered to hold inquiries into accidents, and, as the Noble Lord is aware, I have promoted a Bill to secure the requisite power. I very much regret that it has not been possible to pass the Bill before the Adjournment, but I hope to press forward with it in the Autumn.

Viscount CURZON

Has it not been the practice of the hon. Gentleman's Department to be represented at any inquiry into serious accidents which may take place, and will he see to it that a representative of his Department is present at any inquiry which takes place as the result of these accidents?

Mr. GOSLING

So far as the inquiry is concerned, I will give all the information that I have. I do regard the matter as serious and requiring attention.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir J. NALL

Will the hon. Gentleman take steps in the autumn to ensure that authority is given to licensing authorities properly to inspect as to the fitness of vehicles for letting out on hire?

Mr. SPEAKER

Notice must be given of that question.