§ Captain BRASSasked the Home Secretary what instructions are issued to the Metropolitan police with regard to prosecutions for dangerous driving under the Motor Car Act, 1903, so as to make sure that all relevant considerations, such as the braking efficiency of the car and the amount of traffic on the road at the time, are taken into account before prosecution?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI think the hon. and gallant Member is under a misapprehension. The duty of the constable is to report occurrences which appear to him to suggest that an offence has been committed, but no prosecution is ordered 2001 without the authority of the Commissioner of Police, acting through one of the Assistant Commissioners or his immediate Deputy, and all relevant considerations are taken into account by him. While speed may be a factor it is only one of the considerations taken into account before instituting proceedings for dangerous driving.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability in his replies of not giving any information that will lead to the evasion of the law and assist the law breakers?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI do not think my answer bears that interpretation.
§ Captain BRASSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in a large number of cases of traps in the Metropolitan police area that speed only is considered before a prosecution is undertaken?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe hon. and gallant Gentleman asked me that question a week ago. I have since caused a full investigation to be made in all the records of prosecutions for dangerous driving this year, and there is not one of them that comes within his definition of dangerous driving for speed only.
§ Mr. R. MORRISONDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think it would be far better if Members of Parliament found breaking the law were to take their punishment and pay up?