§ 4. Captain BRASSasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the recent unsuccessful prosecution by the police of an Automobile Association scout who had warned motorists to drive carefully over a certain stretch of the Great West Road: and whether. in view of the large number of accidents which have taken place on this road, he will consider a more friendly co-operation between the Metropolitan Police and the Automobile Association in the future, with the object of preventing as far as possible dangerous driving on this road instead of setting traps to prosecute motorists after the alleged offence has been committed?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSMy attention has been called to this case, and I understand that it was stated in Court 1389 on behalf of the Automobile Association that the action of their scout was contrary to instructions. I am happy to say that the relations between the Association and the Metropolitan Police are, on both sides, those of mutual admiration and respect, and the Commissioner will always welcome their co-operation in furthering the safety of the general public.
§ Captain BRASSWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question in which I asked for a more friendly co-operation with the object of preventing dangerous driving on the road, instead of setting traps after the offence has been committed? I want to know if it is the policy of the police to prevent dangerous driving, or whether they allow dangerous driving so as to catch people after they have committed the offence?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe duty of the police is to carry out the law in the first place, and, in the second place, to do everything they possibly can to secure the safety of the pubic. As I have already said in my reply, the Commissioner will welcome the co-operation of the Automobile Association or of my hon. and gallant Friend in furthering the safety of the general public.
§ Mr. HAYESHas the right hon. Gentleman any scheme, so far as the Automobile Association scouts are concerned, to assist the police in controlling the traffic, and does he appreciate the difficulty and undesirability of any dual control?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI quite agree, but I have no such plan under consideration.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the general public have a high opinion of the way the police carry out their duties in this respect, and is he aware that they resent the suggestion that they encourage crime?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am very much indebted to my hon. and gallant Friend.
§ 13. Sir HARRY BRITTAINasked the Home Secretary whether there is any co-operation, and, if so, to what extent, between the police and officials of the 1390 Automobile Association in giving assistance to motorists travelling over the roads within their jurisdiction?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSCo-operation exists between the Metropolitan Police and the officials of the Automobile Association and the Royal Automobile Club. The headquarters of the two associations are consulted from time to time, with advantage, on traffic matters, especially with regard to routeing and parking of vehicles off the roads. On the roads the police fully appreciate the assistance which the patrols of the two associations are able to give in traffic control.
§ Mr. HAYESWere the police consulted as to the signs that should be given as warnings to motorists of the presence or traps.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThat was obviously not a matter on which the police would be likely to he consulted?