§ 53. Mr. DALTONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the police, in licensing London County Council tramcars, satisfy themselves that the tramcars have been properly renovated and overhauled; whether any such tramcars are now running which have not been examined by the police for more, than 12 months; and whether he is aware that certain tramcars now running are in such a state of disrepair as to constitute a danger to the travelling public?
§ Captain HACKINGThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second and third in the negative. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that no tramcars are running in the condition suggested.
§ Mr. DALTONDo I understand that the police every 12 months satisfy themselves that every ear is in a proper condition from the point of view of the safety of the public?
§ Captain HACKINGThe hon. Member asks whether any such tramcars are now running which have not been examined by the police for more than 12 months. The answer is in the negative. They have been so examined.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs not the last part of the question a very grave reflection on such a body as the London County Council?
§ Captain HACKINGThat is, of course, a matter of opinion.
§ Captain HACKINGCertainly not.
§ Mr. DALTONIn view of the challenge from the hon. and gallant Member for Dulwich (Sir F. Hall), would the Under-Secretary be prepared to see some information which I have in my possession with a view to the further investigation of this matter?
§ Captain HACKINGI am always quite willing to receive any information which may be in the possession of the hon. Member.
§ Sir GEORGE HUMEI should like to challenge the statement in the question.