§ 7. Mr. HAYESasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, in many prosecutions of carmen for leaving vans unattended, this is due to employers failing to provide van boys; and whether, in future, such failures will be taken into consideration when applying for process?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSWhere proceedings are necessary for obstruction, the question is not affected by the presence or absence of a van boy, who, moreover, when present, is usually incapable of moving a motor vehicle, and not always competent to control a horse. In cases where the driver of a horse van is reported for being at such a distance from the vehicle as not to have control over the horse drawing it, if a van boy is present, this fact is taken into consideration before proceedings are instituted.
§ Mr. HAYESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the circular, which is in existence in the Metropolitan police district, stating that special consideration should be given to carmen during the time that they are at meals, so that a prosecution shall not ensue for leaving their vans unattended to, which would not be the case if they had van boys?
Viscountess ASTORWill it be the policy of the Home Secretary to encourage blind alley occupations such as that of van boys?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am certainly not in favour of blind alley occupations.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI will look at the circular.