§ 58. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that three London omnibuses were operating upon route 74a from 5th August to 12th August, 1925, without a running schedule, as required by the London Traffic Act; and whether a prosecution has taken place?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIn the case apparently referred to a schedule was submitted in accordance with the provisions of the London Traffic Act, and the service was put into operation. Upon consideration it was decided that the operation was contrary to the Restricted Streets Order and Regulations (No. 2), 1925, and, on the proprietor being so informed, the service was withdrawn. No proceedings were accordingly taken.
§ Mr. MORRISONDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think it an extraordinary thing that Lord Ashfield's company should be allowed to break the law with impunity while continual petty prosecutions are being undertaken against small men?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIf I find that Lord Ashfield's company breaks the law proceedings will be taken against them.
§ Mr. MORRISONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that since the London Traffic Act came into force no prosecutions at all against the London General Omnibus Company have been undertaken?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am not aware of it.
§ Mr. MORRISONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is dissatisfaction about this, and an allegation that because Messrs. Joynson-Hicks and Company are solicitors to the London General Omnibus Company—[HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw!"]
§ Mr. SPEAKERIf the hon. Member meant any personal insinuation by that, he must withdraw it.
§ Mr. MORRISONI meant no personal insinuation. I am simply stating that there is a considerable amount of dissatisfaction—[HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw!"]—if the right hon. Gentleman says Messrs. Joynson-Hicks and Company are not the solicitors—
§ Mr. SPEAKERWhat the hon. Member evidently implied was a personal reflection, which we do not allow across the Floor of the House. I hope he will see that the proper thing is at once to withdraw an insinuation of that kind.
§ Mr. MORRISONI certainly had no intention of making any personal reflection on the Home Secretary.
§ HON. MEMBERS: Withdraw!
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSMay I say a word by way of personal explanation now or at the end of questions?
§ Mr. SPEAKERNow.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI may say at once that these matters do not come under my personal notice as Home Secretary, although they are dealt with in my Department, and I know nothing of them. So far as the firm of Messrs. Joynson-Hicks and Company is concerned, although I am of course the senior partner of it, I have no control whatever, and have nothing whatever to do with the management of the business.