§ 47. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the number of steam-driven vehicles habitually poisoning the atmosphere of the streets of London with clouds of black smoke; and whether, as such vehicles slowly parading before blocks of traffic are a menace to the health and cleanliness of passengers, he will say what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)I have been asked to reply. Complaints have been received as to the nuisance caused by the emission of smoke from steam road vehicles. The matter can be dealt with under the existing law. Light locomotives must, under Section 1 of the Locomotives on Highways Act, 1896, be so constructed that no smoke or visible vapour is emitted except from a temporary or accidental cause. Heavy locomotives come under Section 30 of the Highways 617 and Locomotives (Amendment) Act, 1878, which provides that such vehicles must be constructed to consume, as far as practicable, their own smoke. The enforcement of the law is a matter for the police.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODWill the right hon. Gentleman see that the police do enforce those Regulations, because the smoke is not consumed? That is my contention, and that is the question. Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the police carry out those instructions and stop this nuisance?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI will convey the substance of the hon. Member's remarks to the Home Secretary.
§ Mr. MARCHWill the right hon. Gentleman pass on to the police the information that if they go to Commercial Road they can get six cases every morning?