HC Deb 23 February 1926 vol 192 cc300-1
78. Mr. CAMPBELL

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the increasing number of accidents to omnibuses and chars-a-banc, owing probably to defective overhauling, he intends to take any and, if so, what steps to see that such vehicles are overhauled before the excursion season begins?

Colonel ASHLEY

Under existing law it is open to a licensing authority, subject to an appeal to the Minister of Transport, to refuse to grant a license for an omnibus or a char-a-banc which in the opinion of the authority is defective. The inadequacy of existing powers for the regulation and inspection of public service vehicles and the absence of any such power in some areas is to me a matter of serious concern, and I propose to deal with it in the Bill relating to road vehicles which I hope to have the opportunity of introducing during the present Session.

80. Mr. RAMSDEN

asked the Minister of Transport the number of accidents to motor omnibuses, motor coaches, and similar vehicles which took place in the year 1925 and which involved loss of life or injury, and the number of persons who lost their lives or who were injured as a result of such accidents; and whether he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation under which first-aid outfits would have to be carried on all such vehicles, and the driver or some other person be required to have a knowledge of first-aid?

Colonel ASHLEY

I regret that I am not in possession of the information sought in the first part of the question, and I doubt whether it would be possible to obtain any reliable figures. As regards the last part, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on the 9th February to the hon. Member for Newport, of which I am sending him a copy.

Mr. RAMSDEN

Would it not be possible to get these figures from the Police Returns, and is he aware that a large number of accidents occurred last year which resulted in a considerable loss of life?

Colonel ASHLEY

I know there were a considerable number, but I think the hon. Member will appreciate that all cases of accident are not reported to the police.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Will the right hon. Gentleman make provision that all motorists should be compelled to take out insurance, so that if anybody is injured there will be an adequate sum to compensate them?

Colonel ASHLEY

That does not arise.

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