HC Deb 02 April 1925 vol 182 cc1493-5
36. Captain BRASS

asked the Home Secretary how many motor drivers were trapped and prosecuted by the police in the Metropolitan police area during the week-ends 14th to 16th March, 21st to 23rd March, and 28th to 30th March, respectively; and how many of those found to be exceeding the speed limits of either 10 or 20 miles per hour were prosecuted for dangerous driving and how many for exceeding the speed limits?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I could obtain for my hon. and gallant Friend the numbers of motorists trapped, but the prosecutions for recent week-ends have, of course, not yet been instituted in all cases.

Captain BRASS

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of setting traps only in connection with drivers who are driving to the danger of the public?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

As I have frequently informed my hon. and gallant Friend, the law contains certain enactments with regard to speed. While the law is as it is I am bound to see that it is carried out.

Captain BRASS

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the police traps at present are set out deliberately, after the speed limit has been exceeded, to catch the drivers? Is it not the duty of the police to prevent crime?

Mr. HAYES

Is it not a fact that before a prosecution can ensue for exceeding the speed limit, which is a breach of the law, it is necessary to have some evidence of this being done after passing the trap?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Yes. It is not the duty of the police always to stand and say, "You must not do this, and you must not do that."

Captain BRASS

Do I understand from the right hon. Gentleman—

Mr. SPEAKER

We cannot now debate the matter.

61. Captain BRASS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers were employed in the Metropolitan police area over the week-end, 28th to 30th March, in trapping motorists for exceeding the speed limits of 10 and 20 miles per hour, and for dangerous driving; how many traps were worked; and on what roads in the Metropolitan police area they were in operation?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I regret that in the time available it has not been possible to obtain exact figures in reply to the first two parts of this question. It would not be in the public interest for me to give the information asked for in the third part.

Captain BRASS

Do I understand that the police do not want the public to know which roads are dangerous, which is presumably the reason why they set traps, or are the traps set primarily in order to get convictions?

Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALL

In view of the fact that the new motor roads are largely contributed to by the motorists of the country, does the right hon. Gentleman think it fair that traps should be set where there is really no danger?

Mr. SPEAKER

That question has been answered half a dozen times.

Captain BRASS

No, Mr. Speaker, the second part of my question has not been answered.

Mr. SPEAKER

The Home Secretary has answered questions on that subject on half a dozen previous occasions.