HC Deb 13 December 1927 vol 211 cc2077-8
25. Mr. T. HENDERSON

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the increasing number of street accidents in the City of Glasgow caused by the increase of privately-owned omnibuses running on the public streets of that city; and whether he is prepared to hold an inquiry into the matter, with a view to the better control of street traffic, in the interest of public safety?

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)

I have been asked to answer this question. The control of omnibus services with due regard to the safety of the public is primarily a matter for the licensing authority concerned. The provisions of the Draft Road Traffic Bill which I caused to be circulated some time ago would increase the powers of licensing authorities in this respect.

Mr. MACKINDER

If that is the ease, why does the Ministry compel local authorities to grant licences when they think it is against the interests of the public and where they think they will create more danger?

Colonel ASHLEY

I do not follow the connection between the hon. Member's question and that on the Order Paper. It is stated in the question that privately-owned omnibuses are responsible for these accidents. They are not more responsible than publicly-owned vehicles.

Mr. MACKINDER

But if a municipality considers that a large number of omnibuses is likely to create more danger, why does the Minister compel them to issue licences when they do not want to do so?

Colonel ASHLEY

Sometimes it is in their own interests that they do not allow private omnibuses to run.

Mr. J. HUDSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the case of certain municipal omnibuses the braking system recently introduced is much above the average adopted by private omnibuses, and they are, therefore, safer to run. In that case, why does the Minister continue to insist on the inclusion of private omnibuses, when better omnibuses can be run?

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Is it not the case that the streets of Glasgow are much congested by the tramways, which are, like all other tramways, out of date; and that they are really the cause of the trouble?

Mr. HENDERSON

Have any official representations been made by the City of Glasgow authorities to the right hon. Gentleman's Department?

Colonel ASHLEY

I must have notice of that question. Perhaps the hon. Member will put it down.