§ 75. Mr. W. BAKERasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that many steam tractors emit smoke and sparks to the danger and annoyance of the public; and whether he will issue special instructions to the police authorities to keep a vigilant eye for the detection and stoppage of this nuisance?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have no evidence that the law is not enforced by the police. As the hon. Member will be aware, the Departmental Committee on the Taxation and Regulation of Road Vehicles recommended that efficient spark arresters should be made compulsory on all steam-driven road vehicles using solid fuel. Although it has not been possible to obtain legislation on this subject, I believe that spark arresters are already largely in use.
§ Mr. BAKERAs there are no statistics available with regard to the number of prosecutions, is it not plain to the most casual observer in the street that many cases of this kind occur?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe first assumption is not involved in the answer to this question. With regard to the hon. Member's supplementary question I have not had any spark in my eye, and I have not yet seen any great trouble arise in the manner described.
§ Mr. BAKERIf I bring to the notice of the right hon. Gentleman cases of the kind will he see that the necessary steps are taken?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIf the hon. Member brings any facts to my notice I will of course inquire into them.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIt is a question for the police authorities, and if, as I gather from the hon. Member's question, he refers to the Metropolis then the matter comes properly under myself.